The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Feb. 11, edition that precious metals equity analysts at Stifel see "a fundamental transformation in structural profitability for gold equities." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Stifel analysts say in a note: "The combination of historically high gold prices and cost discipline and containment has catalyzed a regime of unprecedented margin expansion. Unlike previous cycles when pro-cyclical behaviour was defined by aggressive and dilutive M&A, pursuit of marginal IRR projects and vast underestimation of the fluidity of unit operating costs, sustaining capital requirements and capital intensity of new projects, which effectively neutralized the benefits of a rising gold price, the current environment reveals a gold sector prioritizing margins and return on invested capital (ROIC) over production growth." Stifel analysts continue to rate Barrick Mining "buy." Their share target soared $30 to $95. Analysts on average target the shares at $76.50. The Globe reported on Dec. 3, 2024, that Stifel analyst Ingrid Rico had reiterated her "buy" recommendation for Barrick. The shares could then be had for $24.23.