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Here Are 2 Mining Stocks to Buy on the Dip

newsfeedback@fool.com (James Halley)
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⚡ Quantum Brief
Gold mining giants Newmont and Barrick saw 2025 EPS surge 123% and 140%, respectively, driven by record free cash flow and operational efficiency amid high gold prices. Both stocks plunged over 20% in March 2026 as gold prices fell on inflation fears and potential Fed rate hikes, making interest-bearing assets more attractive than non-yielding gold. Newmont, the world’s top gold producer, slashed debt by $3.4 billion while Barrick repurchased $1.5 billion in shares, showcasing robust balance sheets despite market volatility. Dividend reliability stands out: Newmont’s 38-year streak includes a 4% 2026 hike, while Barrick’s 39-year payout jumped 140%, offering yields of 1.05% and 2.28%, respectively. Operational overhauls are underway—Newmont’s Ghana mine expansion and Barrick’s $42 million spinoff aim to sharpen focus on high-margin copper and gold projects.
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By James Halley – Mar 25, 2026 at 8:47AM ESTKey PointsNewmont and Barrick each saw earnings per share rise by triple-digit percentages in 2025.Both have paid a dividend for nearly 40 years -- and also raised their payouts recently.Each is in the process of streamlining mining operations to achieve better results.The shine has come off gold stocks. After starting the year on a tear, they plummeted in recent weeks, along with the price of the precious metal. The primary reason is the concern that inflation is rising along with the costs of oil and this could lead the U.S. Treasury to raise interest rates in an effort to curb that inflation. The price of gold tends to decline during periods of inflation. Gold doesn't pay dividends or earn interest, so when inflation stays high, central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, often raise interest rates to slow the economy. Conversely, as interest rates increase, Treasury bonds and high-yield saving accounts, with their guaranteed returns, can become more attractive than gold. Newmont (NEM 2.13%) is down more than 4% so far this year and more than 21% in the past month. Shares of Barrick Mining (B 3.82%) have been hit even harder, dropping more than 22% this month and more than 14% so far this year. The downward swing presents patient investors with an opportunity to buy two quality gold stocks on the dip. Here are three reasons why I like these stocks. Image source: Getty Images. 1. They're big companies, with strong financials Denver-based Newmont is the largest gold-producing company in the world but also mines substantial amounts of silver, copper, lead, and zinc. It has 12 Tier-1 operations across eight countries. In 2025, it reported earnings per share (EPS) of $6.39, up 123%, and free cash flow of $7.3 billion, an increase of 150%. These results allowed the company to trim its debt by $3.4 billion, leaving it with $2.1 billion in cash. ExpandNYSE: NEMNewmontToday's Change(-2.13%) $-2.16Current Price$99.36Key Data PointsMarket Cap$110BDay's Range$98.73 - $101.9952wk Range$42.93 - $134.88Volume8.8MAvg Vol11MGross Margin49.78%Dividend Yield0.99% In the fourth quarter, the company's average realized price for gold was $4,216 per ounce, while its all-in sustaining cost (AISC) was only $1,302. The latter figure is expected to rise if oil prices remain elevated, but gold's current price is still above $4,500, leaving ample room for further gains. Barrick, based in Toronto, is the No. 2 gold-producing company in the world, operating 10 mines across 17 countries. In 2025, its free cash flow was $3.87 billion, up 194%, and its EPS was $2.93, a rise of 140%. The company repurchased $1.5 billion of its shares in 2025. In the fourth quarter, its average realized price for gold was $4,177, and its AISC was $1,581. 2. Both companies pay you to wait with dependable dividends Newmont raised its dividend this year by 4% to $0.26 per share, yielding around 1.05% at its current share price. While it has occasionally cut its dividend, it has paid one for 38 consecutive years, and the current payout ratio is just 15.6%. Barrick just raised its dividend by 140% to $0.42 per share, giving it a yield of around 2.28%. Its payout ratio is 28.3%. Like Newmont, while it has occasionally trimmed its dividend, it has maintained a dividend for a long time -- 39 consecutive years. ExpandNYSE: BBarrick MiningToday's Change(-3.82%) $-1.49Current Price$37.48Key Data PointsMarket Cap$65BDay's Range$37.35 - $39.1052wk Range$17.00 - $54.69Volume17MAvg Vol16MGross Margin48.22%Dividend Yield2.17% 3. Each is looking to streamline operations Newmont has focused on quality Tier-1 assets, and though it is predicting lower production this year, its Ahafo North mine in Ghana just began ramping up production and is expected to have a 13-year life, delivering between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually. Barrick is in the midst of a $42 million spinoff of its North American and Caribbean gold assets into a new company. The move should allow the parent company to focus on high-growth copper and gold projects such as Lumwana in Zambia and Reko Diq in Pakistan. However, Barrick must get approval from Newmont, which is its partner in the Nevada Gold Mines project, for the spinoff. So far, that hasn't happened.Read NextMar 22, 2026 •By Rich SmithHere's Why High Oil Prices Are Hurting Precious Metals Mining StocksMar 20, 2026 •By Neha ChamariaThese 5 Mining Stocks Are Tumbling on the Fear That the Federal Reserve May Delay Interest Rate CutsMar 19, 2026 •By Neha ChamariaWhy Did Newmont Stock Just Crash Below $100?Mar 18, 2026 •By Neha ChamariaWhy Newmont Stock Is Tumbling TodayMar 13, 2026 •By Matt DiLalloBest Materials Stocks of 2026 and How to Invest in ThemMar 12, 2026 •By Matt DiLalloInvesting in Precious Metals: A Complete Guide for InvestorsStocks MentionedNewmontNYSE: NEM$99.36(-2.13%)-$2.16Barrick MiningNYSE: B$37.48(-3.84%)-$1.50*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

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