Gold for your portfolio: Why Barrick Mining, First Majestic Silver, and Kobo Resources are now in the spotlight for investors

Kobo Resources: The quiet climber from Ivory Coast

Sometimes it is the small, unknown names that tell the most exciting stories. Kobo Resources is one such case. The company is exploring the Kossou Gold project in Côte d'Ivoire, one of the most productive gold areas in West Africa. And the latest drilling results are causing a stir.

In February 2026, Kobo reported new results from six additional diamond drill holes in the Jagger Zone and Road Cut Zone. The conclusion: gold mineralization continues at depth, with remarkable grades. In the Road Cut Zone, mineralization was extended downward by more than 150 m along the Contact Zone Fault. Drill hole KDD0142 returned, among other things, 11.0 m at 1.54 g/t from a depth of 380 m and 4.0 m at 2.39 g/t Au from 139 m.

The Jagger Zone caused even more of a stir. There, drill hole KDD0138 encountered 13.0 m with 1.77 g/t Au at a depth of 269 m. And then there was that one moment that made many a gold lover's heart beat faster: a narrow but high-grade interval of 2.0 m with a whopping 26.08 g/t Au at a depth of 342 m. Such values are rare. They show that really high-grade structures are also slumbering within the broader shear system.

CEO Edward Gosselin sums it up: "The results confirm the strength and continuity of gold mineralization in both zones. But most importantly, it remains open. Downward and along strike." It could hardly be more promising.

The Kossou project is located only about 6 km from a producing mine owned by Perseus Mining. This proximity is no coincidence and certainly not a disadvantage. On the contrary, it underscores the geological potential of the region and could one day make Kobo a hot takeover candidate. An initial resource estimate is planned for the second quarter of 2026. Analysts at the research firm Atrium view this positively. The postponement from Q1 to Q2 allows the strong new drilling results to be included. Their price target is CAD 0.60, with a clear "Buy" rating.

The Kobo Resources chart shows that something could be "in the works." With high volume, the price shot up from CAD 0.26 to CAD 0.34. Such movements could often be an early sign of larger gains. In any case, Kobo should be added to the watch list. A highly exciting story!

Barrick Mining: Good figures, but not everything is perfect

Barrick had a strong fourth quarter in 2025. Earnings per share were USD 1.04. Experts had expected less. Sales also surprised on the upside, rising to almost USD 6 billion. Operating cash flow even hit a record high. Shareholders are pleased, as the dividend will be significantly increased, from the previous amount to USD 0.42 per share. This will be paid to shareholders in mid-March 2026, and in future Barrick intends to distribute half of its free cash to investors. **An important factor in the figures is that copper is becoming increasingly significant. Around 30% of operating profit now comes from this area. Barrick has long been more than just a gold company.

However, there is also a downside for the large gold and copper producer, as the company expects lower gold production in 2026. As if that were not enough, the next piece of bad news is that the cost per ounce of production is also expected to rise. As long as the price of gold remains high, this is not a major concern. Nevertheless, it is important to keep an eye on the big picture. In addition, there is also uncertainty surrounding a planned IPO in connection with the Nevada joint venture in North America.

It is therefore understandable that partner Newmont is dissatisfied and has voiced criticism. Whether the IPO plan will be implemented by the end of 2026 remains to be seen.

First Majestic Silver: Strong turnaround

First Majestic performed impressively in 2025. A high loss in the previous year turned into a strong profit. The bottom line was USD 211 million, with revenue more than doubling. The fourth quarter was particularly strong. Earnings per share were well above expectations. The stock market reacted immediately. The share price rose significantly. One important reason for this success is the high price of silver. An additional advantage is that First Majestic operates its own mint, where significantly higher prices were achieved than on the market. This generated additional profits with relatively little effort.

First Majestic is in a very strong financial position. It has almost USD 1 billion in cash, and dividends will be increased from 2026. CEO Keith Neumeyer believes that this strength provides a good basis for planning and has set clear targets for 2026: more silver and more gold. The existing mines will be expanded because good silver mines are rare, and that is exactly what plays into First Majestic's hands.

Conclusion: 3 opportunities for investors

Whether junior explorers or industry giants, the gold sector has something to offer every type of investor. Barrick Mining impresses with strong quarterly figures and an attractive dividend, but still has to prove itself in terms of its spin-off plans and declining production. First Majestic Silver has impressively demonstrated in 2025 what is possible when metal prices and operational discipline come together. This is a nice turnaround that could set a precedent. And then there is Kobo Resources, a company that is gaining stature with every new drill hole. The gold mineralization at the Kossou project is consistent, extensive, and far from exhausted. With the first resource estimate planned for the second quarter of 2026, a real milestone is approaching. Those who take an early look could be rewarded. The chart is already promising and shows a fundamentally positive trend.