Should You Buy Gold Stocks Newmont and Barrick on the Dip?

Core Viewpoint - The recent sell-off in gold and gold stocks presents a potential buying opportunity for investors, despite the volatility in gold prices and the impact of new Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warch's nomination on market sentiment [1][2]. Company Performance - Gold stocks, particularly Newmont and Barrick, experienced significant declines, with both companies' shares falling by double-digit percentages [2]. - Newmont's all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce were $1,566 in Q3 2025, projected to rise to $1,760 in Q4, while Barrick's AISC was $1,538 in Q3, with Q4 guidance between $1,460 and $1,560 [3]. - As of February 3, 2026, spot gold prices were around $4,622 per ounce, allowing both companies to achieve gross profit margins exceeding 160%, a stark contrast to historical margins that rarely topped 50% [4]. Growth Drivers - The ongoing global demand for gold, driven by central banks increasing their gold reserves due to concerns about the U.S. dollar's stability, remains a key growth driver for Newmont and Barrick [8]. - Copper demand, particularly due to the expansion of AI infrastructure, is another significant growth driver. Data centers may require between 330,000 and 420,000 tonnes of copper annually by 2030 [9]. - Newmont produced 35,000 tonnes of copper in Q3, while Barrick produced 55,000 tonnes, benefiting from increased production at Lumwana mines in Zambia [10]. Market Sentiment - Some investors believe the sell-off in Newmont and Barrick was overdone, as both stocks are already showing signs of recovery [12]. - Despite potential volatility in gold prices, the fundamental demand for gold and copper is expected to persist, supporting continued profitability for both companies [13]. - Newmont's forward price-to-earnings ratio is 15.7, while Barrick's is approximately 12.5, indicating that neither stock is excessively priced despite recent market fluctuations [14].