Barnes (US:B) ZACKS·2025-06-10 12:46Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation is facing challenges due to rising unit costs, with cash costs per ounce of gold increasing approximately 16% and all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) rising around 20% year over year in the first quarter [1][6] - The company projects total cash costs per ounce for 2025 to be between $1,050 and $1,130, and AISC to range from $1,460 to $1,560, indicating a year-over-year increase at the midpoint of these ranges [2][6] - Barrick's stock has increased by 31% year to date, although this is below the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 49% [5] Cost Analysis - The increase in AISC is attributed to higher total cash costs per ounce and increased minesite sustaining capital expenditures, along with lower production due to the suspension of operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mine [1][2] - Newmont Corporation, a major peer, also reported a 15% year-over-year increase in AISC, projecting gold AISC for 2025 to be $1,630 per ounce, up from $1,516 in 2024 [3] - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited reported a modest increase in total cash costs per ounce to $903, with AISC declining 0.6% in the first quarter but expected to rise in the remainder of 2025 [4] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's earnings implies a year-over-year increase of 34.1% for 2025 and 26.6% for 2026, with EPS estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [8] - Current EPS estimates for Barrick are $1.69 for 2025 and $2.14 for 2026, reflecting stability in earnings expectations [9] Valuation Metrics - Barrick is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 10.75, which is approximately 20% lower than the industry average of 13.49 [10] - The company holds a Value Score of A, indicating favorable valuation metrics [10]