Industry Overview - Gold prices have been on the rise, reaching $3,415.57/ounce on May 5 and stabilizing around $3,300/ounce thereafter, positively impacting gold mining stocks [1][2] - The increase in gold prices is attributed to concerns over U.S. government debt, weak demand for long-term treasury bonds, and a declining dollar, with the World Gold Council noting a scarcity of gold deposits in the mining industry [2] - Central banks in emerging economies are increasing their gold purchases, and the rising use of gold in energy, healthcare, and technology is expected to create a demand-supply imbalance, further driving prices [3] Investment Opportunities - Investing in gold mining stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank is recommended, with five highlighted stocks: Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV), Newmont Corp. (NEM), Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC), Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD), and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), all currently rated as Strong Buy [4] Positive Catalysts - Global central banks are cutting interest rates to stimulate economic growth, which benefits non-income-bearing assets like gold, while a weak U.S. dollar increases demand for dollar-denominated gold [5] - Ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and unrest in Southeast Asia, are expected to keep gold prices buoyant as it is viewed as a safe-haven investment [6] - Major investment banks like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan predict gold prices could reach $4,000/ounce by 2026, indicating continued bullish momentum [7] Company-Specific Insights Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV) - FNV is positioned for strong earnings growth due to increased contributions from streaming agreements and a focus on cost management despite lower output from Cobre Panama [10] - The company has a debt-free balance sheet and plans to use free cash flow for portfolio expansion and dividends, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 31.5% and 29.9%, respectively, for the current year [11][12] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - NEM is advancing its growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the Ahafo North project, with a commitment to invest $950 million to $1,050 million in development capital [13][14] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for NEM are 2% and 20.1%, respectively, for the current year [14] Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC) - KGC has a strong production profile and is focusing on organic growth through projects like Tasiast, which is expected to enhance production and cash flow [15][16] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for KGC are 15.3% and 63.2%, respectively, for the current year [17] Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD) - RGLD benefits from solid streaming agreements and a strong balance sheet, with plans to allocate cash flow towards dividends, debt reduction, and new ventures [18][19] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for RGLD are 24.1% and 35.2%, respectively, for the current year [19] Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) - AEM is focused on executing projects that will enhance production and cash flows, with strategic acquisitions and expansions strengthening its market position [20][21] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for AEM are 23% and 42.6%, respectively, for the current year [22]

Core Viewpoint - Newmont Corporation (NEM) has experienced a 5.5% decline in share price over the past month, underperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about its upcoming earnings release and potential for recovery [1] Group 1: Earnings and Estimates - The consensus estimate for Newmont has shifted upward by 7.73% over the past month, indicating positive revisions in earnings expectations [2] - The most recent earnings report is crucial for understanding the catalysts affecting the stock's performance [1] Group 2: VGM Scores - Newmont holds a Growth Score of B, but has a low Momentum Score of F, while achieving a Value Score of B, placing it in the second quintile for value investment strategy [3] - The aggregate VGM Score for Newmont is B, which is significant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Group 3: Outlook - The upward trend in estimates suggests a promising outlook for Newmont, supported by a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [4]

Industry Overview - Gold has gained approximately 26% year to date, currently trading near $3,030 per ounce, driven by geopolitical risks and a weaker U.S. dollar [1] - The Zacks Mining - Gold industry has increased by 39.1% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Basic Materials sector's 6.4% and the S&P 500's 0.7% [2] - Robust gold demand is anticipated to continue, with central banks expected to maintain a buying streak of over 1,000 tons [8] Demand and Supply Dynamics - Gold demand reached 1,206 tons in Q1 2025, the highest quarterly total since 2016, with central banks acquiring around 244 tons [4] - Investment demand surged 170% year over year to 552 tons, marking the strongest quarter since Q1 2022, driven largely by China [5] - Global gold ETFs saw inflows of 226.5 tons, with April marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase [6] Company Highlights Newmont - Newmont solidified its position as the world's largest gold producer after integrating Newcrest assets and is focusing on Tier 1 assets [10] - The company has a strong liquidity position and is pursuing several growth projects, including Tanami Expansion 2 and Ahafo North [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Newmont's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 12.6% [12] Agnico Eagle Mines - Agnico Eagle maintains a strong liquidity position and is advancing several projects expected to enhance production and cash flows [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Agnico Eagle's 2025 earnings suggests a year-over-year growth of 42.2% [14] Barrick Mining - Barrick Mining is well-positioned to benefit from key growth projects, including Goldrush and Pueblo Viejo plant expansion [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick Mining's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 34.7% [17] Kinross Gold - Kinross Gold has a strong production profile and is advancing key development projects, including Great Bear and Round Mountain Phase X [19] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kinross Gold's 2025 earnings suggests a year-over-year growth of 52.2% [21] New Gold - New Gold consolidated its interest in the New Afton mine to 100%, projecting a 37% increase in gold production between 2024 and 2027 [22] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for New Gold's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 91.25% [24]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a strong bull run in 2023 and 2024, but 2025 has shown mixed results due to concerns over persistent inflation and the Federal Reserve's uncertain stance on interest rates after a 1% cut in the benchmark lending rate last year [1] - Severe volatility has affected Wall Street since early April, primarily due to the implementation of reciprocal tariff policies by the Trump administration, with baseline tariffs at 10% but actual rates exceeding 70% for several major trading partners [2] - Retaliatory tariffs from other countries have raised fears of a global trade war, although some trade negotiations have been settled and others are ongoing [3] Company Highlights Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Philip Morris has shown strong pricing power and is expanding its smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [7] - The company anticipates robust growth in 2025, with a projected 2% increase in volume and smoke-free products expected to grow by 12-14% [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a stock price increase of 44.7% year to date [9] Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) - Sprouts Farmers is focusing on product innovation, e-commerce, and private label offerings, which have contributed to better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2024 results [10] - The company expects net sales to rise between 10.5% and 12.5% in 2025, with comparable sales anticipated to increase by 4.5-6.5% [11] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 13.7% and 35.5%, respectively, with a stock price surge of 32.2% year to date [12] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - Newmont is progressing with growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the acquisition of Newcrest, which enhances its portfolio and synergies [13] - The Ahafo North project has received full funding approval, with commercial production expected to start in the second half of 2025, involving an investment of $950 million to $1,050 million [14] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 2% and 12.6%, respectively, with a stock price increase of 40.5% year to date [15]

Group 1 - Newmont is positioned as one of the leading mining companies globally, particularly in gold production [1] - The company is expanding its strategic role in copper, which is increasingly recognized as a key metal [1]

Core Viewpoint - Newmont Corporation's stock has recently experienced a pullback due to declining gold prices, but the company maintains a long-term bullish trend supported by strong project execution and financial health [1][2][21]. Stock Performance - Newmont's stock fell below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) at $50.10, indicating a bearish signal, while it remains above its 200-day SMA, suggesting a long-term uptrend [1][2]. - Over the past month, Newmont's shares have decreased by 9.3%, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's decline of 11.3% but underperforming the S&P 500's increase of 15.3% [5]. Project Execution and Acquisitions - Newmont is actively investing in growth projects, including the Tanami Expansion 2 in Australia and the Ahafo North expansion in Ghana, which are expected to enhance production capacity and extend mine life [10]. - The acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited has created a robust portfolio, achieving $500 million in annual run-rate synergies and positioning Newmont favorably in the gold and copper production landscape [11]. Financial Health - Newmont reported a strong liquidity position with $8.8 billion in liquidity, including $4.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and a significant operating cash flow increase of approximately 162% year over year [13]. - The company generated a record free cash flow of $1.2 billion in the first quarter and returned $1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [13]. Gold Price Dynamics - Despite recent declines, gold prices have increased by roughly 22% this year, with Newmont's average realized gold prices rising around 41% year over year to $2,944 per ounce in the first quarter [14][15]. - Factors such as central bank purchases and geopolitical tensions are expected to support gold prices, which remain above $3,200 per ounce [15]. Dividend and Valuation - Newmont offers a dividend yield of 2% with a payout ratio of 24%, indicating a sustainable dividend backed by strong cash flows [16]. - The stock is trading at a forward price/earnings ratio of 12.07X, approximately 11% lower than the industry average of 13.57X, making it an attractive investment option [18]. Earnings Estimates - Newmont's earnings estimates for 2025 have been revised upward, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate suggesting a year-over-year growth of 12.6% [17][18]. Investment Outlook - Despite recent stock performance challenges, Newmont presents a compelling investment case due to its growth projects, strong financial health, and favorable market conditions for gold [21].

Group 1 - Earnings season is a critical period where companies disclose their financial performance, impacting market participants significantly [1][2] - Earnings reports provide essential updates on revenues, expenses, and profits, exemplified by Palantir's revenue growth guidance upgrade leading to a 35% YoY revenue growth forecast [3][4] - Companies like Netflix experienced substantial share price increases post-earnings due to positive surprises in subscriber metrics and earnings per share (EPS) growth of 25% [5][6] Group 2 - Earnings season highlights current economic trends; for instance, poor performance from retail companies may indicate a slowing economy, while strong earnings suggest consumer health [10] - Newmont, a major gold producer, reported record free cash flow of $1.6 billion and an average gold price of $2,643 per ounce, reflecting favorable market conditions [11][12] - Analysts have raised EPS expectations across various sectors due to positive operating environments, indicating potential investment opportunities [12]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of utilizing Zacks Premium for investors to enhance their stock market strategies and confidence in investing [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum methodologies, helping investors identify stocks likely to outperform the market in the next 30 days [3][4] - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [4] Value Score - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales to find attractive investment opportunities [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's future prospects by analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to identify stocks with sustainable growth potential [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score is designed for traders who capitalize on price trends, using factors like recent price changes and earnings estimate revisions to identify high-momentum stocks [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines the Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors who utilize multiple investing styles [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to assist investors in building successful portfolios [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] Stock Selection Strategy - To maximize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B, ensuring the highest probability of success [11] - The direction of earnings estimate revisions is crucial; stocks with lower ranks but high Style Scores may still face downward price pressure [12] Company Spotlight: Newmont Corporation - Newmont Corporation is a leading gold producer with significant reserves and production capabilities, holding 134.1 million ounces of gold reserves and producing approximately 6.8 million ounces in 2024 [13] - Newmont has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A, indicating strong potential for growth [13][14] - The company is forecasted to achieve year-over-year earnings growth of 12.6% for the current fiscal year, with upward revisions in earnings estimates from analysts [14]

Core Insights - Gold prices have surged past $3000 per ounce in Q2 2025, driven by central banks globally increasing their gold reserves [1] - Geopolitical tensions and slowing global growth are contributing factors to the renewed interest in gold as a safe-haven asset [1] Industry Summary - Central banks around the world are actively stocking up on gold, indicating a strategic shift in monetary policy and asset allocation [1] - The increase in gold prices reflects broader economic concerns, including geopolitical instability and a slowdown in global economic growth [1]

Company Overview - Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is the world's largest publicly traded gold producer and is currently in very good financial shape [1] - The company has faced challenges in recent years, including rising costs, integration issues following the acquisition of Newcrest, and declining production [1] Financial Performance - Despite recent challenges, Newmont is noted for its strong financial position [1] Investment Criteria - The company is characterized by growth in revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, which are important investment criteria [1] - Newmont is considered to have excellent growth prospects and favorable valuations [1] - The company is recognized for its high free cash flow margins, dividend payments, and share repurchase programs [1]