Best Gold Stocks to Buy for February 2026
5 Best Gold Stocks to Buy Today
| Company (Ticker) | 12 Week Price Change | Forward PE | Price | Proj EPS Growth (1 Year) | Projected Sales Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU) | 18.49% | 11.74 | $98.59 | 52.91% | 22.49% |
| DPM Metals Inc. (DPMLF) | NA | NA | $34.88 | 43.85% | 1.71% |
| Gold Fields Limited (GFI) | 22.58% | 10.11 | $50.05 | 64.80% | 34.65% |
| Centerra Gold (CGAU) | 40.63% | 10.28 | $16.46 | 65.45% | NA |
| Kinross Gold (KGC) | 26.70% | 13.57 | $31.25 | 41.69% | 11.41% |
*Updated on February 5, 2026.
AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU)
$98.59 USD -2.28 (-2.26%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
C Value A Growth B Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap:$50.77 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:154.30%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:5.60%
- Last EPS Surprise:-1.49%
- Next EPS Report date:Feb. 18, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
AngloGold Ashanti is a global gold miner with diversified operations and added scale from the Sukari mine in Egypt. Recent results show solid margin capture from higher realized gold prices plus disciplined costs, translating into record free cash flow and a move to net cash that supports a dividend tied to cash generation. That flexibility helps fund sustaining capital while keeping shareholder returns credible through the cycle.
Potential Risks
Gold remains the dominant driver of sentiment, so a bullion pullback can overwhelm execution. Multi-jurisdiction operations add permitting, fiscal, and geopolitical risk.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with Style Score of A for Growth and B for Momentum signals favorable revisions and trend support, though Value C implies the market is paying for quality. The Price, Consensus & EPS Surprise chart shows price surging as 2026–2027 consensus lines rise. Surprises are uneven, so follow-through depends on steady delivery.
DPM Metals Inc. (DPMLF)
$34.88 USD -0.76 (-2.13%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
C Value B Growth NA Momentum NA VGM
- Market Cap:$7.69 B (Mid Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:57.36%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:40.38%
- Last EPS Surprise:25.86%
- Next EPS Report date:Feb. 10, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
DPM Metals is a precious-metals miner with primary gold output in Bulgaria, copper by-product credits, and new gold-silver exposure from the Vareš underground mine in Bosnia. The Adriatic Metals acquisition and rebrand broadened DPM into a multi-asset platform. Recent updates show continued operating consistency, again achieving annual gold production guidance, and a clearer pipeline, including a sizable inferred gold-copper resource at Serbia’s Rakita Camp.
Potential Risks
Vareš integration and ramp-up are the swing factors; delays, cost creep, or concentrate/logistics issues could pressure results. Jurisdictional and permitting risk across Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, and Ecuador adds uncertainty, and a weaker gold price would compress margins.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 and Growth Score B suggest favorable estimate revisions, while the Value Score C implies a limited valuation cushion. The chart shows price accelerating as 2026–2027 consensus lines trend higher, with recent upside surprises after a mid-cycle miss.
Gold Fields Limited (GFI)
$50.05 USD -2.49 (-4.74%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
D Value A Growth A Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap:$47.02 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:293.94%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:NA
- Last EPS Surprise:NA
- Next EPS Report date:NA
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Gold Fields is a global gold miner with producing assets in Australia, Africa, and the Americas, with a key growth lever in Chile’s Salares Norte. Latest operating updates show production improving and costs easing as Salares Norte ramps toward steadier output, helping translate higher gold prices into stronger cash generation. Portfolio breadth also reduces single-asset risk.
Potential Risks
Ramp-ups can be volatile, and Salares Norte’s high-altitude complexity leaves room for commissioning, throughput, or cost setbacks. The company also faces jurisdictional and fiscal risk across multiple countries, while a gold pullback would pressure margins and sentiment.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 with Growth A and Momentum A scores point to strong estimate revisions and price action, but Value D suggests a richer multiple that’s acceptable if execution holds. On the chart, shares have surged alongside rising 2026–2027 EPS estimates, with brief pullbacks, a pattern consistent with a ramping low-cost asset base and upward revisions.
Centerra Gold (CGAU)
$16.46 USD -1.02 (-5.84%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
- Strong Buy 1
- Style Scores
A Value A Growth A Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap:$3.49 B (Mid Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth:45.07%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth:32.00%
- Last EPS Surprise:50.00%
- Next EPS Report date:Feb. 19, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Centerra Gold is a gold producer with gold-copper exposure at Mount Milligan and pure gold output from Öksüt in Türkiye, along with a Nevada development pipeline. The company has leaned into a self-funded strategy, supported by a sizable cash balance and a clearer long-term plan for Mount Milligan: a recent PFS outlines a mine-life extension to 2045. It also received permit amendments that allow Mount Milligan to continue operating through 2035, improving near-term visibility while longer-dated projects mature.
Potential Risks
Türkiye exposure adds geopolitical and regulatory risk, and Mount Milligan’s sensitivity to copper pricing can amplify volatility. Funding and execution on development projects can create cost or timing risk.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #1 with A scores for Value, Growth, and Momentum is a powerful combo for forward performance. The chart shows a sharp price re-rating with 2026–2027 consensus lines climbing and recent upside surprises, consistent with improving expectations.
Kinross Gold (KGC)
$31.25 USD -1.73 (-5.25%)
3-Year Stock Price Performance
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- Zacks Rank
Hold 3
- Style Scores
B Value A Growth A Momentum A VGM
- Market Cap:$39.57 B (Large Cap)
- Projected EPS Growth: 152.94%
- Last Quarter EPS Growth: 0.00%
- Last EPS Surprise:12.82%
- Next EPS Report date:Feb. 18, 2026
Our Take:
Reasons to Buy
Kinross is a senior gold producer with mines across the Americas and West Africa and a long-dated growth option in Ontario’s Great Bear. Recent results highlighted strong leverage to gold, delivering record free cash flow, a net-cash position, and a larger buyback and dividend program. That mix can appeal in a market rewarding cash returns backed by balance-sheet strength, while Great Bear adds a credible longer-term catalyst as development work advances.
Potential Risks
Kinross remains exposed to gold-price volatility and site-level execution. Great Bear is subject to permitting, construction inflation, and timeline risk, and delays could weigh on sentiment.
Forecast
Zacks Rank #3 is a softer signal than the #1 peers, but Value B with Growth A and Momentum A scores suggest revisions and trend remain supportive. The chart shows a strong price uptrend with 2026–2027 consensus lines rising and mostly favorable surprises, implying expectations are still edging higher into 2026.
Methodology
The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that uses trends in earnings estimate revisions and earnings-per-share (EPS) surprises to classify stocks into five groups: #1 (Strong Buy), #2 (Buy), #3 (Hold), #4 (Sell) and #5 (Strong Sell). The Zacks Rank is calculated through four primary factors related to earnings estimates: analysts' consensus on earnings estimate revisions, the magnitude of revision change, the upside potential and estimate surprise (or the degree in which earnings per share deviated from the previous quarter).
Zacks builds the data from 3,000 analysts at over 150 different brokerage firms. The average yearly gain for Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks is +23.62% per year from January, 1988, through June 2, 2025.
Selections for Best Gold Stocks are based on the current top ranking stocks based on Zacks Indicator Score. For this list, only companies that have average daily trading volumes of 100,000 shares or more were considered. All information is current as of market open, Feb. 5, 2026.
Guide to Gold Stocks
Is it a good time to invest in gold stocks right now?
Given that gold prices are already elevated and many forecasts point to further upside, now is considered a “reasonable time” by many analysts to consider gold stocks. The leverage effect of mining companies means they may outperform bullion if gold continues to rise.
However, one must also be cautious: valuations for some stocks might already reflect part of the rally, and risks remain (see next). It’s prudent to size positions carefully and maintain diversification.
Benefits of investing in gold stocks
- Operational leverage: As gold prices climb, miners’ margins expand because cost per ounce is relatively fixed.
- Dividend potential: Some mature gold companies pay dividends or buy back shares, offering a yield component beyond price appreciation.
- Portfolio diversification: Gold stocks can reduce correlation with typical growth stocks, providing a hedge in volatile markets.
Risks of investing in gold stocks
- Operational & geological risk: Mining has many moving parts—cost overruns, mine disruptions, regulatory issues, jurisdiction risks.
- Gold-price risk: If gold falls or stagnates (for example due to higher interest rates), miners will suffer in the opposite direction—sometimes more steeply.
- Valuation risk: Stocks may already price in strong future gold prices; if those don’t materialize, downside exists.
Gold stocks vs Gold stocks ETF vs physical Gold
- Physical Gold: You own actual bullion; no company risk, but you incur storage & insurance costs, no dividends, and liquidity might be lower.
- Gold stocks: You get corporate leverage to gold price, potential dividends, but you assume company-specific risks.
- Gold ETFs (physical bullion): Track gold price directly, low cost, easy to trade, no storage issues—but they don’t offer dividends or operations upside.
- Gold-mining ETFs: Bundle many gold stocks—diversifies company risk but still carries mining equity risk—and may amplify upside or downside relative to bullion.
How to Select the Best Gold Stocks
When evaluating individual gold names:
- Check cost per ounce (all-in sustaining cost) and production profile.
- Verify debt levels and balance-sheet health.
- Look for a diversified asset base (geography, mine life).
- Dividend or buyback policy.
- Management track-record and governance.
- Valuation relative to peers and forward earnings.
Gold stocks vs Silver stocks: Which one is better?
Silver stocks offer exposure to both precious-metal demand and industrial applications (solar panels, EVs, electronics), which creates a different demand profile. That said, silver often underperforms gold during safe-haven rushes and may carry extra cyclicality. For investors focused purely on a hedge or safe-haven, gold stocks are often the preferred choice—but mixing both may enhance diversification.
Market Trend and Forecast about Gold Stocks
What factors are driving gold prices?
Key drivers include:
- Central-bank buying of gold as part of reserves diversification.
- A weak U.S. dollar and lower real interest rates make gold more attractive (because gold yields no interest).
- Geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns push investors toward safe-haven assets.
- For miners: higher gold price, stable or declining costs per ounce, improved cash flows.
How do gold stocks perform during inflation or recession?
Historically, gold and gold-stocks have had better relative performance during periods of high inflation or economic stress—thanks to their hedge status. In recessions, while equities may falter, gold may hold its value or rise, which can support gold stocks. That said, mining companies may face production or cost pressures during downturns, so while the metal may hold up, company risks still exist.
Are gold mining stocks undervalued right now?
According to some research, yes. For example, one note points out that while gold has rallied significantly, many mining companies’ valuations remain conservative relative to the metal’s price — offering potential upside if the rally continues.
Still, because many investors have already rotated into the sector, valuations may be less of a bargain than in past cycles.
Will rising Interest rates hurt gold mining companies?
Rising real (inflation-adjusted) interest rates typically increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, which can weigh on gold prices—and thus miners. Additionally, higher rates increase costs for mining firms that borrow. On the flip side, if higher rates reflect inflation-risk or weakness in the economy, gold may benefit. So the net impact depends on the underlying cause of rate increases.
Gold ETFs and Alternatives
Are gold ETFs better than individual gold stocks?
If your primary goal is to track the price of gold (for example as a hedge) rather than pick specific companies, ETFs that hold physical gold may be a simpler, lower-risk approach. They eliminate much of the company-specific risk inherent in mining stocks. On the other hand, stock exposure offers the possibility of outsized returns (when gold rises) via operational leverage—but also greater downside.
Should I invest in gold mutual funds or ETFs? Where is the difference?
- Gold ETFs typically offer direct exposure, low expense ratios, high liquidity, and transparent holdings.
- Gold mutual funds may invest in a mix of gold stocks, sometimes along with other precious-metal companies, and may have higher fees or minimums. For many self-directed investors, ETFs are more efficient.
Which is appropriate depends on your tax situation, jurisdiction, and preferred investment vehicle.
Should I invest in gold for diversification or growth?
Gold is most commonly used as a diversifier—to reduce portfolio risk, hedge inflation, or provide safe-haven exposure. If you’re seeking growth, gold stocks (especially mining companies) may offer upside—but with higher risk. Understand the role you want gold to play in your portfolio before choosing.
How do dividends from gold companies compare to other sectors?
Many gold mining companies may pay dividends or buy back shares, but yields generally tend to be lower than high-dividend sectors such as utilities or REITs. Because their cash-flows are heavily dependent on commodity prices, dividends may be more variable and less predictable. Royalty/streaming companies often offer steadier payouts.
Best way to diversify with silver in a portfolio
Silver provides a related yet distinct exposure: it is both a precious metal and an industrial metal. To diversify with silver: consider silver-mining stocks or silver ETFs; assess how it correlates with gold and your broader portfolio; keep allocation moderate since silver can be more volatile. Pairing gold and silver may add another dimension of diversification.
Should I invest $1,000 Right now in Gold Stocks and What Will It Look Like?
If you invest $1,000 today in a basket of gold stocks or a gold-stock oriented ETF, here’s a simplified illustration:
- Suppose gold rises by 20% over the next year and miners, benefiting from operational leverage, rise by 30%.
- A $1,000 investment grows to $1,300 (assuming no fees/dividends).
- If instead gold stagnates or falls 10%, miners might fall 15-20% due to the leveraged effect, and you’d end up around $800-$850.
This underlines both the opportunity and risk. A prudent approach: allocate only a portion of your portfolio (e.g., 5-10%) to gold stocks, have a longer time horizon (3-5 years or more), and monitor costs, valuations, the macro backdrop, and company fundamentals.
Common Questions About Gold Stocks
Do gold stocks pay dividends?
Yes—many established gold companies (especially large-caps or royalty/streaming firms) distribute dividends or execute buy-backs. However, payout levels depend on production, gold price, costs, and company capital allocation decisions.
What stocks are backed by gold?
While no stock is “backed” by gold in the same way that a bullion bar is backed, many mining companies’ profitability is tied directly to the gold price. Royalty or streaming companies may also offer quasi-“gold exposure” via agreements to buy gold production at fixed prices.
Is Warren Buffett buying gold?
Historically, Buffett has expressed skepticism toward gold as a productive investment and has favoured businesses generating cash flow rather than commodities per se. There’s no major reported shift recently indicating he’s investing heavily in gold or gold stocks. (As always, check the latest filings for updates.)
