This Dividend Stock Reports Q4 Earnings on February 20. Is It a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Company Overview - AngloGold Ashanti (AU) is scheduled to release its Q4 2025 earnings on February 20, which will include a regular dividend and an additional dividend to meet annual payout targets [1] - The company plans to distribute half of its free cash flows to investors as dividends, having already made two true-up payments following Q2 and Q3 earnings [1] Stock Performance - AU stock has experienced a significant rise over the past two years due to a rally in gold prices, but it has recently lost over 12% from its recent highs [2] - The current question is whether AU stock is a buy ahead of the Q4 earnings announcement [2] Gold Market Dynamics - Gold prices, which are the primary driver for gold mining companies, have shown volatility recently, resembling the price action of meme stocks in 2021 [3] - Despite positive fundamentals for gold, the market had shown signs of euphoria, leading to a correction that was sharper and sooner than anticipated [6] - Factors contributing to the recent crash in gold prices include easing geopolitical tensions and changes in U.S. trade policy, as well as the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, which has affected expectations for interest rate cuts [7][8]