Warren Buffett Should Buy Gold: Here’s Why

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) looks like a compelling buy on the dip for all investors who, like Warren Buffett, hold too much cash.

| More on:
Gold bars

Image source: Getty Images

Warren Buffett and his firm Berkshire Hathaway have a growing cash problem. While Berkshire has been repurchasing a considerable amount of its own shares of late, the fact remains that Berkshire’s mountain of cash is capable of scooping up an elephant. Berkshire shareholders hope that the cash hoard can be used on a needle-moving acquisition at some point soon.

However, with stock market valuations on the higher end, Warren Buffett’s job has become pretty tough. With the threat of an unchecked uptick in the rate of inflation as a potential after-effect of the profound amount of fiscal and monetary stimulus, Berkshire could find itself between a rock and a hard place.

What’s Warren Buffett to do with all that cash?

It’s becoming harder to appease investors these days, some of whom may be inclined to tell Warren Buffett to swing at a pitch for a change. Berkshire’s underperformance of the S&P 500 has been a major topic of discussion in recent years. And while Warren Buffett disappointed some, having missed out on one of the greatest short-term buying opportunities of all time in the 2020 coronavirus market crash, I still think there are good places for Berkshire to park its cash in this pricy and uncertain market, as Warren Buffett waits patiently on the sidelines for the perfect opportunity to pounce on.

Warren Buffett isn’t going to make an acquisition or investment for the sake of appeasing short-term-thinking Berkshire shareholders. He’s more than willing to sit on his hands or nibble on shares with excess amounts of cash than run the risk of overpaying for a firm that could move the needle on BRK.B stock. With recent defensive bets in 2020, it’s clear that Warren Buffett is proceeding with cautious optimism. He’s not ready to back up the truck on stocks yet, but he remains bullish on the longer-term outlook for America, even with the devastating impact of this horrific pandemic.

A golden opportunity in Barrick Gold stock?

Warren Buffett has never been a huge fan of gold. He hates the fact that it’s an unproductive asset that, unlike pieces of businesses, produces nothing over time. With Berkshire pulling back on its bond exposure in recent years with interest rates as low they are, I think the Sage of Omaha may hate fixed-income debt securities a tad more than gold.

Given how unrewarding bonds have become, the opportunity costs of holding unproductive assets like gold are close to the lowest they’ve ever been. Like Buffett, I’ve never been too fond of investing in the shiny yellow metal. That said, I dislike gold far less than bonds or cash in this pandemic-plagued environment.

If I were in Warren Buffett’s shoes, I’d buy more Barrick Gold

I think Warren Buffett should scoop up more shares of his favourite gold miner Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) on its latest dip or perhaps buy some bullion ETFs like the SPDR Gold Shares (my favourite way to invest in gold). I’ve called Barrick the gold standard as far as gold miners were concerned, and with shares down over 25% from all-time highs, I’d be very surprised if Berkshire didn’t re-initiate a position after trimming its Barrick stake by around 40%.

Barrick’s price is depressed, and the hedging benefits are well worth the price of admission. Sure, gold doesn’t produce anything, but it’s a terrific inflation hedge for any portfolio. With Barrick’s 1.56%-yielding dividend, gold as an investment may, for the first time, outshine bonds through the eyes of Buffett and company.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette owns shares of Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and SPDR Gold Trust.. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and recommends the following options: short March 2021 $225 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2023 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and long January 2023 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

More on Coronavirus

Dad and son having fun outdoor. Healthy living concept
Dividend Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 15.8% to Buy Right Now

A growth stock is well-positioned to resume its upward momentum in 2024 following its strong financial results and business momentum.

Read more »

Double exposure of a businessman and stairs - Business Success Concept
Stocks for Beginners

3 Things About Couche-Tard Stock Every Smart Investor Knows

Couche-tard stock (TSX:ATD) may be up 30% this year, but look at the leadership and history of the stock to…

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Coronavirus

Can Air Canada Double in 5 Years? Here’s What it Would Take

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock has gone nowhere since 2020. Can this change?

Read more »

Senior housing
Stocks for Beginners

Home Improvement Stocks Are Set to Fall (When They Do, Buy These Like Crazy!)

Home improvement stocks are due to drop further in the coming months. But with solid underpinnings for the sector, it…

Read more »

An airplane on a runway
Coronavirus

Forget Boeing: Buy This Magnificent Airline Stock Instead

Boeing (NYSE:BA) stock is looking risky right now, but Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock? Much less so.

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Stocks for Beginners

Goeasy Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

When it comes to smart buys, goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) is up there as one of the smartest money can buy.…

Read more »

Woman has an idea
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s Why Magna International Is a No-Brainer Value Stock

Magna stock (TSX:MG) has been climbing back once more, but still offers huge value for long-term minded investors.

Read more »

Aircraft wing plane
Coronavirus

1 TSX Stock Down 60% That Could Bounce Back Stronger

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock got severely beaten down in the March 2020 COVID crash. Here's why it's probably not going…

Read more »