ZACKS·2025-10-22 14:31Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation and Newmont Corporation are two leading gold mining companies with extensive global operations and diversified portfolios, making them relevant for investors amid rising gold prices driven by economic uncertainties [1][11]. Gold Market Overview - Gold prices have surged to unprecedented levels this year, reaching over $4,000 per ton, primarily due to safe-haven demand amid global trade tensions, geopolitical issues, a weak dollar, and increased central bank purchases [2][3]. - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and concerns over the labor market and U.S.-China trade tensions have further fueled this rally, with gold prices increasing approximately 56% year-to-date [3]. Barrick Mining Corporation - Barrick is advancing key growth projects, including Goldrush and the Lumwana Super Pit expansion, which are expected to significantly enhance production [5][7]. - The Goldrush mine aims for 400,000 ounces of annual production by 2028, while the Reko Diq project in Pakistan is projected to produce 460,000 tons of copper and 520,000 ounces of gold annually starting in 2028 [6]. - Barrick's liquidity position is strong, with cash and cash equivalents around $4.8 billion and operating cash flows of approximately $1.3 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase [8]. - The company returned $1.2 billion to shareholders in 2024 and has a dividend yield of 1.7% with a sustainable payout ratio of 25% [9][10]. - However, Barrick faces challenges with rising costs, with cash costs per ounce of gold and all-in-sustaining costs increasing by approximately 17% and 12% year-over-year, respectively [12][13]. Newmont Corporation - Newmont is strategically investing in growth projects, including the Ahafo North expansion and the Cadia Panel Caves, which are expected to enhance production capacity [15]. - The Ahafo North project is anticipated to produce between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually, with commercial production planned for late 2025 [16]. - The acquisition of Newcrest Mining has strengthened Newmont's portfolio, generating $500 million in annual run-rate synergies [17]. - Newmont has a robust liquidity position with $10.2 billion in total liquidity and $6.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents, alongside a free cash flow of $1.7 billion [20]. - The company has distributed around $2 billion to shareholders and has a dividend yield of 1.1% with a payout ratio of 20% [21]. Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, Barrick's stock has risen by 103.2%, while Newmont's stock has increased by 131.9%, both underperforming compared to the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's growth of 136% [23]. - Newmont trades at a premium with a forward earnings multiple of 13.91, while Barrick trades at 12.57, representing a 23% discount to the industry average [25][26]. - Newmont's return on equity stands at 17.9%, significantly higher than Barrick's 8.2%, indicating more efficient use of shareholder funds [27]. - The consensus estimates for 2025 suggest Barrick's sales and EPS will grow by 19.4% and 65.1%, respectively, while Newmont's growth is projected at 11.3% and 60.1% [29][32]. Investment Outlook - Both companies are well-positioned to benefit from favorable gold prices, with strong project pipelines and financial health. However, Barrick's higher production costs and declining production outlook may pose risks, making Newmont a more favorable investment option at this time [33].