Gold Stocks: Still a Bargain
We've been saying since September that gold producers are undervalued, and here are some data that show just how extreme the undervaluation is.
The following chart measures the stock prices of major and intermediate gold producers against their Net Asset Value, based on the daily price of gold. In the simplest terms, a company should be worth more as the product it sells rises in price faster than the cost of those sales. In this case, gold has doubled in price over the past three years while costs have not kept up, dramatically increasing the intrinsic value of a reasonably well-run gold producer. Yet look what the stocks have done when measured against this higher value.
In spite of a rising gold price, stock prices have steadily fallen. In fact, as the right axis shows, the industry is currently selling at a 20% discount to its Net Asset Value (as of October 21) - and historically, gold stocks trade at a premium.
Notice that gold stocks hit 1.6 times their NAVs just before the crash of 2008. Gold producers often trade at this level. If I'm right, companies will revert to historical premiums, meaning much higher stock prices than today.
These data don't tell us when prices will rise, nor do they signal that stocks can't trade lower. They are simply telling us that at this point in time, gold stocks represent a true bargain. Someday this won't be the case, and the opportunity to buy at current levels will be gone.
I'm convinced that in a year or two, we'll look back and be very happy with our positions.
Owning gold stocks is an excellent hedge against the wealth-robbing policies the US government is pursuing... but not just any gold stock has blockbuster profit potential. Learn how to protect yourself and invest wisely.
Tweet
Author: Jeff Clark
Jeff Clark
Editor: Casey's Gold & Resource Report
Casey
Research, LLC.
Having worked on his family's gold claims in California and Arizona, as well as a mine in a place to remain nameless, Jeff's research and writing skills are utilized in his role as editor and one of the primary writers of Casey's Gold & Resource Report.
Whether it is researching new companies to recommend, analyzing the big trend in gold, or looking for other safe and profitable ways to capitalize on the bull market, Jeff is devoted to making Casey's Gold & Resource Report the best precious metals newsletter for the prudent investor. He coordinates the efforts among the research and writing team, ensuring that whatever is happening in the gold and silver market doesn't escape coverage.
Information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute individual investment advice and is not designed to meet your personal financial situation. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and are subject to change without notice. The information herein may become outdated and there is no obligation to update any such information. Doug Casey, entities in which he has an interest, employees, officers, family, and associates may from time to time have positions in the securities or commodities covered in these publications. Corporate policies are in effect that attempt to avoid potential conflicts of interest, and resolve conflicts of interest that do arise in a timely fashion. No portion of this web site may be extracted or reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Copyright © 2008-2013 Casey Research, LLC.
Circle Us