Why Barrick Gold Remains a Top Long-Term Pick

How does Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) stand out among its peers? Read on about why it is my #1 gold pick.

| More on:

In this article, I’m going to discuss a few reasons why I would recommend long-term investors seeking gold exposure for a given portfolio to give Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) a good hard look. If I were to pick one gold producer today to add, I would certainly choose Barrick; I have been a fan for a while.

Crunching the debt

First, Barrick has been doing something its peers should be taking note of – paying down debt. The mining industry has a nasty habit of ramping up capital expenditures and debt in gold bull markets. I really like Barrick’s choice to de-leverage in this environment and provide investors with a little balance sheet breathing room. The gold producer has paid down its debt substantially. Barrick’s net debt is down by almost 50% this past quarter. Approximately $1 billion of net debt remains on the company’s books.

The fact that Barrick has been a cost-conscious and debt-conscious gold producer for some time is one of their best traits, in my book. This focus was shown by the company’s management team in the acquisition of Randgold, a subsidiary which remains debt-free and highly accretive to the overall bottom line of Barrick. This debt repayment strategy was made possible through both operating cash flows as well as the sale of non-core assets. These moves have increased the overall average asset quality of Barrick’s portfolio right now. The company holds a number of Tier 1 assets which will provide long-term investors with excellent long-term growth prospects.

Rising dividends

Another aspect of Barrick’s business model I appreciate is the company’s focus on raising its dividend substantially over time. While Barrick pays a low overall yield of around 1%, the gold producer does raise its dividend often. Barrick has raised its dividend three times this past year alone. This provides investors who plan on holding for a long time a pathway to a decent yield down the road.

One obvious key driver that has allowed for such substantial growth in dividend payouts and debt-reduction initiatives by the company’s management team is higher free cash flow generation in recent months. This free cash flow growth has been substantial, and due, in part, to the rising price of gold. Investors seeking to hedge massive stock market gains from potential downside, by using an age-old but effective hedge in gold, have driven the price higher.

Bottom line

My take on a company like Barrick is that it is a good investment regardless of where the price of gold is at in the near term. Barrick is an efficient producer and has the ability to continue to lower its average cost per ounce over time. It will alsodo so over the coming quarters, as it has sold off some of its worst-performing assets recently. As far as gold mining companies go, Barrick is #1 on my list, and I would recommend nibbling away at current levels, for those interested in adding a position or adding to an existing position.

Stay Foolish, my friends.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chris Macdonald does not have ownership in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Investing

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Bank Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 28% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This top Canadian dividend stock is underperforming its large peers this year, but a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

Secure a Wealthy Future With These 3 Canadian Stocks

These Canadian stocks have the potential to appreciate substantially over time and may also enhance returns through dividend payments.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Dividend Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Nutrien is down more than 50% form the 2022 highs. Is NTR stock now oversold?

Read more »

analyze data
Investing

3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

These blue-chip stocks are backed by large-cap companies with well-established businesses, solid fundamentals, and a growing earnings base.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Growth Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Do you have $2,000 to invest for the long term? These three TSX stocks have and will continue to deliver…

Read more »