Worried About a Market Pullback? This Top TSX Gold Stock Is a Nice Hedge

Here’s why I think Franco-Nevada Corp (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) could be a top gold stock investors aren’t considering right now.

| More on:

Those seeking to find value in today’s market certainly have to search high and low. Indeed, valuations have climbed to what many analysts think are bubble-like levels. Accordingly, investors may be intrigued by one top TSX gold stock, which has outperformed since the beginning of the pandemic, though not in a straight line.

Indeed, Franco-Nevada Gold (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) has been one gold stock I’ve been watching for some time. This is the result of a business model I think is both unique and exciting in a rather homogenous gold sector. Franco-Nevada provides investors with a high-margin business model that’s not capital intensive and easier to grow over time. Accordingly, this company’s valuation multiple has remained elevated relative to its peers.

In this article, I’m going to discuss why I think Franco-Nevada is one gold stock that deserves its high valuation. Additionally, I’m going to discuss why I think this stock is an excellent portfolio hedge today.

A gold stock with an impressive business model

Unlike traditional gold miners, Franco-Nevada is a royalties/streaming play. The company is engaged in the upfront financing of mine development. Other miners looking for equity financing for deals sell royalties to companies like Franco-Nevada in exchange for financing. This model has proved to be extremely lucrative for royalty players like Franco-Nevada over the long term. And given where the price of gold is trading at today, gold miners don’t necessarily mind paying the royalty, as their margins have also expanded significantly.

Accordingly, this type of environment is a win-win for royalties players and gold miners. Gold miners are looking to ramp up production by any means possible to fund production growth. When gold prices are elevated, as they are now, companies may be more open to exploring quicker and easier financing deals, giving up a larger piece of the pie than they normally would in low gold price environments. For investors in Franco Nevada, this is a very good thing.

Indeed, Franco Nevada is a gold stock that has built a rather impressive portfolio of royalties. The company holds 406 royalties across a variety of commodities sectors (not just gold). Accordingly, I view Franco-Nevada as a more diversified way to play broader commodity strength. This year, this stock has been a winner for obvious reasons.

Of course, whether or not commodity price strength continues remains to be seen. However, Franco-Nevada’s long-term CAGR of nearly 18% over the past decade speaks for itself. This is a company that has a proven growth model, and has done well, even in times of difficulty in the commodities sector.

Bottom line

I think Franco-Nevada’s business model is one of the most defensive of any gold stock on the market today. Indeed, this company’s strong and stable cash flow streams, high margins, and low operational risk are preferable in many ways to owning traditional miners. These fundamental metrics aren’t likely to change.

Those who believe commodity price strength is likely to continue can’t go wrong owning Franco-Nevada. This is a gold stock that isn’t a gold stock — for investors seeking sector-specific exposure with less risk, that’s a great thing.

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 has no position in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

todder holds a gold bar
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canadian Mining Stocks: Buy, Sell or Hold?

Investing in quality gold mining stocks that trade at a reasonable valuation could help you beat the TSX index over…

Read more »

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is First Quantum Minerals Stock a Buy?

Let's dive into whether First Quantum Minerals (TSX:FM) is worth buying at current levels, or if investors should sit this…

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Competitive? Beat the Market With These 2 Dividend-Paying Growth Gems

Investors looking to beat the market buying dividend stocks right now need to focus on this right sectors. Here are…

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

A Canadian Billionaire Investor Sold Micron Stock and Bought This TSX Company Instead

Prem Watsa focuses on value over short-term growth.

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Franco-Nevada Stock a Buy for Its 1.2% Dividend Yield?

Gold royalty stocks represent a niche in the precious metals industry. They have different dynamics from mining stocks.

Read more »

todder holds a gold bar
Metals and Mining Stocks

The 1 Mining Stock Canadians Should Buy and Hold Forever

Newmont is a gold mining stock that trades at a cheap valuation, making it a top investment choice for those…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Top Canadian Gold Stocks to Buy Now

Canadian gold mining stocks such as Barrick Gold and Kinross Gold are two top investments in October 2024.

Read more »

todder holds a gold bar
Stocks for Beginners

Is the Worst Over for SSR Mining Stock?

SRR Mining stock has been rising higher after recent earnings performance that made a bit of a comeback. So is…

Read more »