3 Outperforming Gold Stocks With More Room to Run

Gold stocks are outperforming the market in 2025 primarily due to record-high gold prices, which have surged above $3,500 per ounce, driving strong profits for mining companies. Global economic uncertainty has increased investor interest in gold as a safe-haven asset, providing a boost for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and stocks tied to the precious metal as well. Year-to-date performance metrics show impressive gains, with many gold mining stocks outperforming the broader equities market by a wide margin - reflecting investors' flight to safety amid economic uncertainties.

Here’s a look at three gold stocks that are crushing the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) so far in 2025, with Wall Street experts predicting more upside to come.

Gold Stock #1: Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM)

AEM stock is up more than 50% on a year-to-date basis, compared to a 22% return for June-dated gold futures (GCM25). The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with a healthy profit margin of 26.48% and receives a strong "Buy" rating from analysts. 

While AEM stock's valuation is somewhat elevated at current levels, this appears justified given the company's robust financial performance and positive market sentiment, though investors should be aware that mining stocks can be volatile due to their dependence on precious metal prices. Wall Street predicts about 12.7% more upside to AEM’s average price target of $132.53.

Gold Stock #2: Newmont Mining (NEM)

NEM is up 41.5% on the year, and the consensus price target from analysts is $62.46 - suggesting another 18.5% upside potential. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with attractive valuations, healthy profit margins of 25.77%, and strong institutional ownership at 68.85%, suggesting confidence from large investors. 

NEM also offers a decent dividend yield of 1.85%, and its market performance shows significant momentum with positive returns across multiple timeframes. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, NEM's combination of strong financial metrics, positive analyst sentiment, and reasonable valuation suggests it could be a good addition to a diversified investment portfolio.

Gold Stock #3: Barrick Mining (GOLD)

With a 22.8% YTD return, GOLD stock is keeping pace with the action in gold futures pretty closely. Rated “Moderate Buy” on average, GOLD’s average price target of $24.45 implies the stock can gain another 29.2% from here.

The company's financial metrics are reasonably healthy, with a profit margin of 16.59% and a relatively modest valuation against its industry peers. Barrick is undergoing a significant strategic transformation, including rebranding and portfolio optimization, while building a substantial copper business alongside its gold operations, which demonstrates forward-thinking management and diversification efforts.

However, investors should be aware of some operational challenges, particularly in Mali, where disputes have led to suspended operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex. Despite these challenges, the company's strong projected earnings growth of 31.8% for fiscal 2025, combined with its strategic positioning in both gold and copper markets, makes it a compelling investment option for those seeking exposure to both the precious metals and base metals sectors.