12 Best Gold Stocks to Invest In According to Billionaires

2. AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU)

Number of Billionaire Investors: 13

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

Multinational gold miner AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) operates in the Americas, Australia, and Africa. Its main purpose is to search for gold, but it also produces byproducts like sulfuric acid and silver. Its African business is anchored on its flagship Geita mine in Tanzania. It is among the best gold stocks to invest in.

A significant financial turnaround was achieved by AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) during the year that concluded on December 31, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA over quadrupled to $2.8 billion, and free cash flow nearly tenfolded to $942 million. A loss from the previous year was reversed when basic earnings reached $1.2 billion. Adjusted net debt decreased 55% to $567 million, while operating cash inflow more than doubled to about $2 billion. The company ended the year with $2.6 billion in total liquidity and $1.4 billion in cash.

Managed operations produced 2.352 million ounces of gold, a 2% increase over the previous year. However, owing to ongoing inflationary pressure, total cash costs increased 4% to $1,157 per ounce. The margin increase was supported by the average realized gold price, which rose 24% to $2,394 per ounce. With a minimum distribution of $250 million, or $0.50 per share, the dividend payout ratio was increased to 50% of free cash flow.

High rains at Tropicana and Iduapriem, as well as poor performance from the Kibali joint venture, caused operational difficulties for the company despite this impressive result. Higher gold prices and tax-related receivables were the main drivers of the increase in working capital outflows.

AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) anticipates that between 2.9 and 3.2 million ounces of gold will be produced in 2025, with cash expenses estimated to be between $1,125 and $1,225 per ounce. Cost control is still a top concern, but growth capital will increase as a result of significant expenditures in Sukari and Nevada. The company still prioritizes dividend stability above share buybacks in an effort to win over investors with steady returns.