Newmont – The Cash Cow
After years of multi-billion-dollar acquisitions, Newmont has turned a corner. Its balance sheet is healthy, with a net cash position of over USD 2 billion, and free cash flow climbed to a record high in 2025. The dividend has been increased, and a good half of the USD 6 billion buyback program remains. Management is no longer focused on the next mega-acquisition, but on returns. For investors, this means less risk and more tangible returns. That alone is a rarity in the cyclical mining industry.
2026 will be a slump in terms of production. Management openly refers to a “production trough.” That is precisely what creates entry opportunities. Because at the same time, USD 1.4 billion is flowing into major projects such as the Tanami expansion and the new panel caves at Cadia. Starting in 2027, production is expected to rise again to 6 million ounces of gold plus copper. Those who get in now may be buying at the bottom before the machines ramp up again. This is not wishful thinking, but a firmly planned turnaround.
With 118 million ounces of gold in reserves, Newmont leads all its competitors. But the bottom line is what matters. The assumed gold price for these reserves is a conservative USD 2,000 per ounce, which is well below current levels and long-term forecasts. If the gold price rises, that automatically boosts the margin. And thanks to copper, silver, and zinc as by-products, there is a second source of revenue. Even in a weaker gold market, the company delivers solid financials, making the risk manageable. The stock is currently trading at USD 103.12.
DRC Gold – Rebranding in the Congo
The Canadian stock market has had a new gold stock since January. AJN Resources has become DRC Gold, listed on the CSE under the ticker DRC. This is not a cosmetic change, but a strategic pivot. Going forward, the company will focus exclusively on gold projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Management has been rooted in the region for years; the network is in place. It is a clear case of “returning to familiar territory,” but with a sharper focus in the portfolio. The lithium side projects are being spun off or divested. Those who wanted to keep track of developments in recent months had to look closely. Now the direction is set.
The focus is on two sites. First is the Giro Gold Project, a property with historically reported 4.4 million ounces of gold. A volume that is not common in the exploration scene. The deposit is designed for open-pit mining, with operating costs estimated at USD 1,100–1,200 per ounce. The final acquisition is still pending; shareholders must still approve it.
Then there is the Nizi project, an old mine dating back to the Belgian colonial era. It has never been systematically explored using modern methods. Current plans aim to identify 2–3 million ounces of new resources within approximately 18 months.
The team led by CEO Klaus Eckhof has a proven track record; the senior geologists have been active in Congo for two decades. David Wargo, an experienced commodities banker, joined the board in February. Financially, the company has approximately CAD 3.5 million in cash on hand, and a small capital increase is under discussion. The Okote project in Ethiopia has been put on hold due to the tense security situation. The timeline is ambitious. The Giro mine could go into production as early as 2027. For investors seeking undervalued assets with a clear roadmap, this fresh start could be an interesting test case. The stock is currently trading at CAD 0.18, giving it a small market capitalization of around CAD 22 million.
Agnico Eagle – Strong Numbers, Quiet Doubts
Agnico Eagle is using the recent gold price dip to make aggressive moves. Approximately USD 9.2 million was invested in two exploration companies, Maple Gold and Cascadia. With Cascadia, the producer secured not only nearly 20% of the shares but also an earn-in agreement for a Yukon project. Additionally, a three-year strategic alliance was formed for the exploration of the Stikine Terrane. This approach is typical. The company is trying to gain a foothold early on, while its own balance sheet shines with over USD 2.6 billion in net liquidity – a solid foundation.
Operations ran smoothly in 2025. Gold reserves reached a record 55.4 million ounces, with production at 3.45 million ounces. The cost structure was impressive, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of USD 1,339 per ounce. However, at the same time, a report raised some eyebrows. CEO Ammar Al-Joundi sold shares worth approximately USD 16 million. Other executives also reduced their holdings. Such transactions are legal, but the timing following the record figures raises questions. A potential warning sign for attentive investors.
By the next decade, management is targeting annual production of over 4 million ounces. The drivers are the underground expansion of Detour Lake and the expansion of Canadian Malartic. The biggest hurdle, however, is staffing. An estimated 10,000 new employees must be recruited and trained over the next 5 years. Those looking for an industry leader with an impeccable track record will find a candidate here. However, recent insider sales remain a negative factor that should not be entirely ignored. Currently, a share trades at USD 191.86.
Geopolitical tensions with Iran, rising oil prices, and loose monetary policy are fueling the gold rally in the long term. Newmont impresses with a clean balance sheet, strong cash flow, and a production trough that offers entry opportunities. Following its restructuring, DRC Gold is consistently focusing on the promising Giro project in the Congo with 4.4 million ounces of gold as well as the Nizi project. Agnico Eagle delivers record figures and a solid cost structure, but recent insider sales remain a warning sign. Those who take advantage of the current trough now may secure a historic opportunity.
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