Core Viewpoint - Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: B, TSX: ABX:CA) stock was highlighted as a Strong Buy at a price of $20.46 at the end of June, and since then, the stock has increased by 4.64%, outperforming the S&P 500, which rose by 3.51% [1]. Company Analysis - The stock of Barrick Gold has shown a positive performance, indicating strong investor interest and potential for growth [1]. - The analysis reflects a focus on value companies with solid long-term potential, suggesting that Barrick Gold is positioned well within its industry [1].

Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining is seen as an attractive investment opportunity due to a significant improvement in its earnings outlook, with analysts raising their earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The upward trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing optimism among analysts regarding Barrick Mining's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is projected at $0.47 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of +46.9% [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is expected to be $1.96 per share, representing a +55.6% change from the previous year [7]. - Over the past month, the consensus estimate for the current year has increased by 5.13%, with four estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [7][8]. Zacks Rank and Performance - Barrick Mining currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in revising earnings estimates upward [9]. - The Zacks Rank system has a proven track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. - The stock has appreciated by 6.3% over the past four weeks, suggesting investor confidence in its earnings growth prospects [10].

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1] - The Zacks Style Scores are designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market in the short term [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum, with A being the highest score indicating better chances of outperforming [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Score identifies undervalued stocks by analyzing financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, helping value investors find attractive investment opportunities [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's financial health and future potential by examining earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting stocks expected to grow sustainably [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score focuses on stocks with upward or downward price trends, utilizing recent price changes and earnings estimate revisions to identify favorable buying opportunities [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to provide a comprehensive rating, helping investors find stocks with the best value, growth prospects, and momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank, based on earnings estimate revisions, has shown that 1 (Strong Buy) stocks have delivered an average annual return of +23.75% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal investment potential [9] Stock Highlight: Barrick Mining - Barrick Mining Corporation is a leading gold mining company with extensive assets across 18 countries and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [11] - The company has a VGM Score of A and a Momentum Style Score of B, with shares increasing by 6.3% over the past four weeks [12] - Recent earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.20 to $1.96 per share, and an average earnings surprise of +12.5% [12]

Core Viewpoint - Hercules Metals Corp. has entered into a strategic option agreement with Barrick Gold Exploration Inc. to consolidate a 73-kilometre claim belt around its Leviathan copper discovery in Idaho, significantly expanding its land position and exploration potential in the region [2][3][5]. Company Overview - Hercules Metals Corp. is focused on developing America's newest porphyry copper district, particularly the Leviathan porphyry copper system located in Idaho [19][20]. - The company aims to leverage its strategic partnership with Barrick to enhance its exploration capabilities and shareholder value [3][5]. Transaction Details - The agreement allows Hercules to earn a 100% interest in over 74,000 acres of unpatented mining claims, increasing its total land position from 26,000 acres to over 100,000 acres [4][5]. - Hercules will make staged payments totaling C$8 million over three years, either in cash or through the issuance of common shares [6][10]. - Upon exercising the option, Barrick will receive a 1% net smelter return royalty, which can be reduced to 0.25% through a one-time payment of US$7.5 million [14]. Strategic Implications - The consolidation of the Olympus copper belt represents a significant opportunity for Hercules, positioning it as a controlling claim holder in a highly prospective area for copper exploration [4][5]. - The Leviathan system is noted for its exceptional copper-silver enrichment, making it one of the most compelling new copper projects in the United States [3][4]. Market Context - The agreement comes at a time of favorable conditions for mining in the U.S., including streamlined federal permitting processes and potential tariffs on foreign copper, which could enhance the company's value proposition [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Portnoy Law Firm has initiated an investigation into potential securities fraud involving Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and may file a class action on behalf of affected investors [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation and Allegations - The investigation is prompted by concerns raised on July 18, 2025, regarding the recording of costs related to digital sales, with management believing there may be an overstatement of up to $23.0 million in accounts receivable as of May 3, 2025 [3]. - The law firm encourages investors who lost money to contact them for a complimentary case evaluation and to discuss their legal rights [2]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the potential overstatement, Barnes & Noble's stock price fell sharply by $2.36 per share, approximately 21%, closing at $8.87 on July 21, 2025, leading to significant losses for investors [4].

Core Viewpoint - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. for possible violations of federal securities laws and unlawful business practices, particularly in light of a recent investigation into the company's accounting practices [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation Details - Barnes & Noble disclosed a delay in its annual report for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2025, due to an ongoing investigation regarding the recording of digital sales costs [3]. - Preliminary findings suggest that Barnes & Noble may have overstated accounts receivable by up to $23 million and expects to report at least one material weakness related to manual journal entries [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the investigation, Barnes & Noble's stock price fell by $2.36 per share, representing a decline of 21.02%, closing at $8.87 per share on July 21, 2025 [4].

Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - A strong correlation exists between changes in earnings estimates and near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [3]. Business Improvement Indicators - Rising earnings estimates and the Zacks rating upgrade suggest an improvement in Barrick Mining's underlying business, which could lead to higher stock prices as investors respond positively [4]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Empirical research indicates that tracking earnings estimate revisions can be beneficial for investment decisions, with the Zacks Rank system effectively utilizing this data [5]. Zacks Rank System Performance - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. Specifics on Barrick Mining's Earnings Estimates - Barrick Mining is projected to earn $1.96 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change expected [7]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick Mining has increased by 18.2%, indicating positive sentiment among analysts [7]. Zacks Rating System Characteristics - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 5% receiving a "Strong Buy" rating [8]. - The upgrade of Barrick Mining to a Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9].

Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation is focusing on capital returns to shareholders, generating approximately $4.5 billion in operating cash flows in 2024 and returning about $1.2 billion through dividends and share repurchases [1][7]. Financial Performance - In February 2025, Barrick's board authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $1 billion, with $143 million repurchased and $172 million paid in dividends in the first quarter [2][3]. - Barrick ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of around $4.1 billion, positioning itself well for development and exploration opportunities while maintaining shareholder value [3]. Comparison with Peers - Newmont Corporation has returned $1 billion to shareholders since the beginning of 2025, with a record free cash flow of $1.2 billion in the first quarter [4]. - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders last year and delivered a free cash flow of $594 million in the first quarter, returning around 42% through dividends and buybacks [5]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Barrick's shares have increased by 39.4% year to date, compared to the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 58.7% [6]. - The forward 12-month earnings multiple for Barrick is 9.81, which is approximately 23.4% lower than the industry average of 12.8X, indicating a favorable valuation [9]. - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 imply growth of 55.6% and 23.1%, respectively, with estimates trending higher [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. is under investigation for potential securities fraud and unlawful business practices, which has led to a significant drop in its stock price following the announcement of a delay in its annual report due to accounting issues [1][3][4]. Group 1: Investigation Details - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors regarding potential securities fraud by Barnes & Noble and its officers or directors [1]. - The investigation is focused on how the costs of digital sales were recorded, with early findings suggesting that accounts receivable may have been overstated by up to $23 million [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact - Following the announcement of the investigation and the delay in the annual report, Barnes & Noble's stock price fell by $2.36 per share, representing a 21.02% decrease, closing at $8.87 per share on July 21, 2025 [4]. Group 3: Company Background - Pomerantz LLP is recognized as a leading firm in corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation, with a history of recovering multimillion-dollar damages for victims of securities fraud and corporate misconduct [5].

Core Viewpoint - Barrick Mining Corp's stock could potentially double in value if gold prices experience a significant surge, particularly if they exceed $4,000 per ounce [1][5]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Barrick's stock has increased by over 30% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index, which has grown by 7% [2]. - The rise in Barrick's stock is largely attributed to a 28% increase in gold prices, which currently exceed $3,350 per ounce [2]. Group 2: Financial Projections - At the current gold price of $3,350 per ounce, Barrick's estimated revenues for 2025 are around $15.24 billion, reflecting a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.5x [3]. - If gold prices rise to $4,000 per ounce, revenues could exceed $18 billion, potentially leading to a share price of around $26 at the same P/S ratio [3]. - Should the P/S ratio increase to 3.2x, as seen in 2020, the share price could rise to $33, representing a 55% increase from current levels [3]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - A significant increase in gold prices could be driven by factors such as a global recession, inflation, geopolitical tensions, or central banks stockpiling gold [4]. - Higher gold prices would enhance Barrick's profits without the need for additional mining, as many costs are fixed [4]. - The market may reassess Barrick's valuation, viewing it as a reliable cash-generating entity rather than just a gold investment [4].