The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research) Agnico-Eagle Mines AEM-T TOP PICK Dec 24, 2024

One of his go-to names in the sector. Trades at a premium because it has perhaps the lowest geopolitical risk of any producer. Valuation is too rich.

Bought it yesterday heading into earnings. They disappointed a bit because of rising expenses, but you can definitely buy in dips. Is still up 20% this year. They will continue to pay off debt as they buy back shares like crazy. Pays a nice dividend.

Gold is taking a big hit today, with spot gold down $36/oz. AEM Q4 EPS of $1.26 beat estimates of $1.16; revenue of $2.22B marginally missed estimates. EBITDA of $1.33B matched estimates. Margins were a record on good cost control. 847,000 ounces were produced in Q4 with all-in costs at $1,316. Mines performed well. Production guidance was steady, but this is likely the company being conservative. Net debt is now very low and the company is in excellent financial shape going forward. Shares slipped a bit but are up 127% in a year and we would be comfortable with the quarter and outlook.
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Likes gold, and this is a good way to play. Excellent management, prudent and disciplined use of capital. Good assets. 12 varied mines in low-political-risk jurisdictions. Low cost. Increases to dividend were paused, but should resume. Close to debt-free. Sleep at night.

Ranks #1 in the head-to-head battles. Doing the best out of all the Canadian stocks right now. Trending up, and gold has broken through $3000. Continues to outperform, hasn't seen a 3-box reversal at all. Yield is 1.54%.

His favourite gold senior. His guess is that in the next month or so, Trump's going to roll back a lot of stuff and the economy will be better. So areas like gold are going to sell off.

Likes that about 90% of mines are in Canada, with rest being in geopolitical-positive environments. Strong management team are good allocators of capital. Stock's done so well, hard to find entry for new clients; a function of the price of gold and flight to safety. 

Best in class, the best gold producer, and he's bullish gold, which has taken over from cryptos.