The Outlook for IAMGOLD Corp. Was Upgraded: Does This Makes it the Best Gold Play Under $5?

Mid-tier gold miner IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG) shapes up to be one of the best plays on gold under $5.

| More on:
The Motley Fool
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Mid-tier gold miner IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG) has seen its outlook upgraded by HSBC from “underweight” to “overweight.” With its share price down by 30% over the last year to be nudging $3, this raises the question as to whether IAMGOLD is the best value mid-tier miner trading for less than $5 per share.

So what?

As small-cap stocks, the risks associated with investing in mid-tier miners like IAMGOLD are high. These companies are among the most vulnerable to adverse movements in the price of gold. This is because they don’t have the scale or the financial strength to weather softer gold prices for a sustained period, or survive major risk events relatively unscathed. Nevertheless, they do offer the potential for outsized returns, should their fortunes shine.

For 2014, IAMGOLD’s net earnings declined steeply in comparison to 2013, to be down by a massive 75%. However, it wasn’t alone, with other gold miners experiencing a similar fate.  Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) posted 2014 net earnings that were 61% lower, while New Gold Inc.’s (TSX:NGD)(NYSE:NGD) net earnings were down by 26%.

This can be attributed to a weaker gold price over the second half of 2014, with it coming under pressure from a resurgent U.S. dollar.

Impressively, IAMGOLD grew its annual gold production by 9% to a total of 834,000 ounces. This was greater than Kinross’s modest 3% growth for the same period, and New Gold’s disappointing 4% decline in gold production. This bodes well for investors in IAMGOLD and Kinross, because due to growing production, they can take advantage of the higher gold price witnessed of late.

Since hitting a 52-week low of US$1,142 an ounce in early November, gold has rebounded by 5% to over US$1,200 per ounce, but I don’t expect this rally to continue. This is because there are signs that gold will soften over the next two years, with a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker oil prices weighing heavily on its price. These signs have made analysts revise their outlook downwards. Goldman Sachs is now predicting an average price of US$1,262 per ounce for 2015, and an even lower average price of US$1,089 for 2016.

As a result, softer gold prices will be a feature of the investment landscape in the foreseeable future, making the cost structure of gold miners an important consideration for investors.

IAMGOLD’s all-in-sustaining-costs (ASIC) for 2014 were US$992 per ounce, which is comparable to Kinross’s US$965 per ounce, but both miners were trumped by New Gold with AISC of US$779 per ounce. However, New Gold produces large amounts of copper, and this is set to weigh heavily on its future performance due to declining demand in China.

Now what?

IAMGOLD shapes up to be a solid investment for those investors seeking exposure to gold. This makes it my preferred choices when compared to New Gold.

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 Matt Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, February 14

U.S. inflation data and more corporate earnings could keep TSX stocks highly volatile today.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Are Hydrogen Stocks or Lithium Stocks Better for Long-Term Investors?

Hydrogen and lithium stocks are excellent options in for long-term plays but remain speculative investments, according to some market analysts.

Read more »

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

3 Top Mining Stocks in Canada to Buy in February 2023

Three Canadian mining stocks are attractive prospects for growth investors in February 2023.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Buy: Barrick Gold Stock or Kinross Gold?

Here are some key reasons why I find Barrick Gold more attractive than Kinross Gold for long-term investors with a…

Read more »

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

This Mineral Company Was on the Move in January 2023

While inflation is easing, this mineral company's stock is rising. How can you make money in this mineral stock?

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Now the Time to Buy Gold Stocks?

Gold prices can continue to rally throughout 2023, as inflation and interest rates peak, making undervalued gold stocks some of…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, February 9

As the ongoing corporate earnings season heats up, TSX stocks may remain volatile.

Read more »

A worker wears a hard hat outside a mining operation.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Stock Is Approaching its 52-Week High: Time to Invest?

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock is nearing 52-week highs once more after falling from September last year, but should you wait for…

Read more »