Scotiabank has reaffirmed its Sector Outperform rating and a $25.00 price target for Barrick Gold (LON:0R22) Corp. (NYSE: NYSE:GOLD).
The endorsement followed a technical webinar hosted by the company, which focused on its Lumwana super pit expansion project, a key growth asset in its copper portfolio.
The revised capital expenditure for the Lumwana project is now approximately $2 billion, up from the prior estimate of $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion.
This increase is attributed to inflationary pressures and some modifications to the project's scope. However, the operational costs and project timeline, with a start-up expected in 2028, remain consistent with the last pre-feasibility study.
Scotiabank anticipates that the feasibility study for the Lumwana expansion will be finalized by the end of 2024. The bank expects the capital expenditure outlined in today's presentation to match those in the forthcoming study.
Additionally, Barrick Gold anticipates an increase in reserves by the year's end, which should be reflected in the study.
In other recent news, Barrick Gold is advancing a potential Tier 1 gold mine in Nevada, expanding its copper business, and successfully operating the Pueblo Viejo plant in the Asia-Pacific region. Barrick Gold's growth portfolio, including projects like Gold Rush, Pueblo Viejo, and Fourmile, aims to bolster gold equivalent production by 30% over the next decade.
Analysts from Argus upgraded the company's stock rating to Buy from Hold, setting a new price target of $24.00, citing Barrick Gold's strong historical presence and solid financial foundation. They emphasized the company's strategic approach to replenishing and replacing its gold reserves organically, aligning with its ambitious production goals.
Other recent developments include the expansion of the Pueblo Viejo plant and operational status of the Porgera mine, contributing to production growth. The company has also announced a buyback program to address the perceived undervaluation of its shares.
InvestingPro Insights
In light of Scotiabank's reaffirmation of its Sector Outperform rating for Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE:GOLD), recent data and insights from InvestingPro could further inform investors about the company's financial health and market performance. Notably, Barrick Gold has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 38 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders even through various market cycles. This consistency in dividend payments could be particularly appealing to income-focused investors.
Moreover, Barrick Gold's liquid assets surpass its short-term obligations, indicating a strong liquidity position that can support the company's operational needs and strategic investments, such as the Lumwana super pit expansion project. In addition, the company operates with a moderate level of debt, which suggests a balanced approach to leveraging and financial prudence.
With the stock trading near its 52-week high and a strong return over the last three months, Barrick Gold's market performance reflects investor confidence. Interestingly, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, a sentiment supported by the fact that it has been profitable over the last twelve months. These InvestingPro Tips, along with a total of 9 listed on InvestingPro, can provide investors with a broader perspective on Barrick Gold's financial standing and market outlook.
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