VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) (“B2Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has published its ninth annual Responsible Mining Report entitled “Raising the Bar” (the “Report”), which details B2Gold's global economic contributions and its environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) management practices, together with the Company's performance against key indicators in 2024. Highlights of the Report are prese ...

Company Overview - B2Gold (BTG) is part of the Basic Materials sector, which includes 232 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 5 [2] - B2Gold belongs to the Mining - Gold industry, which consists of 39 companies and is ranked 18 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] Performance Metrics - B2Gold has returned approximately 38.5% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Basic Materials sector average return of 7.5% [4] - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for B2Gold's full-year earnings has increased by 33.2%, indicating improved analyst sentiment [4] Comparative Analysis - In comparison, another Basic Materials stock, Akzo Nobel NV (AKZOY), has returned 13.3% year-to-date and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The Mining - Gold industry, to which B2Gold belongs, has an average gain of 45.2% this year, suggesting that B2Gold is slightly underperforming its industry [6] - Conversely, Akzo Nobel NV is part of the Chemical - Diversified industry, which has declined by 15.6% year-to-date [6] Investment Outlook - Investors in the Basic Materials sector should monitor B2Gold and Akzo Nobel NV for their continued strong performance [7]

Company Overview - B2Gold is a mid-tier, geographically diversified gold miner headquartered in Canada, with aggressive expansion plans [1] - The company operates three mines: Fekola in Mali, Masbate in the Philippines, and Otjikoto in Namibia [1] Investment Outlook - The article suggests a potential beneficial long position in B2Gold through stock purchases or call options within the next 72 hours [2]

Core Viewpoint - B2Gold (BTG) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The upward trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing optimism among analysts regarding B2Gold's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - The current quarter's earnings estimate is projected at $0.09 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of +50%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 45.83% due to one upward revision and no negative changes [6]. - For the full year, B2Gold is expected to earn $0.51 per share, representing a substantial change of +218.75% from the previous year. In the past month, four estimates have been revised upward with no negative revisions [7]. Zacks Rank and Performance - B2Gold has achieved a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in revising earnings estimates upward. This rank is based on a system that has historically shown strong performance, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 2008 [3][8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have been shown to significantly outperform the S&P 500 [8]. Stock Performance - B2Gold's stock has increased by 9.1% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, suggesting that there may still be further upside potential [9].

Company Performance - B2Gold (BTG) has returned 28.7% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the Basic Materials sector, which has gained about 7.1% on average [4] - Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BTG's full-year earnings has increased by 19.2%, indicating improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook [3] Industry Comparison - B2Gold belongs to the Mining - Gold industry, which includes 39 companies and currently ranks 47 in the Zacks Industry Rank. The average gain for this industry is 62.2% year-to-date, suggesting that BTG is slightly underperforming its industry [5] - In contrast, Akzo Nobel NV, which is part of the Chemical - Diversified industry, has a year-to-date performance of 9.5% and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - B2Gold Corp reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) exceeding expectations and significant year-over-year improvements in revenue and gross profit [1][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was 9 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 8 cents, and representing a 50% increase year over year [1]. - Including one-time items, the reported EPS was 4 cents, up 33% year over year [1]. - Revenues for the quarter reached $532 million, compared to $461 million in the same quarter last year, marking a year-over-year increase of 15.4% [1]. - Gross profit rose to $238 million, a 29.1% increase from the prior year, with a gross margin improvement to 44.7% from 39.9% [3]. Production and Costs - Consolidated gold production for the quarter was 192,752 ounces, down 10.1% year over year but above company expectations [2]. - Cash operating costs were $832 per ounce, up 15.9% year over year, while all-in sustaining costs were $1,533 per ounce, a 13.9% increase [2]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 2025 were $330 million, slightly down from $337 million at the end of 2024 [4]. - The company generated $179 million in cash from operating activities, a significant decrease from $711 million in the year-ago quarter [4]. - Long-term debt decreased to approximately $398 million from $421 million at the end of 2024 [4]. Production Guidance - B2Gold is on track to meet its total gold production guidance of 970,000-1,075,000 ounces for 2025, with the Goose Project expected to contribute 120,000-150,000 ounces in its first year of production [5]. Stock Performance - B2Gold's shares have increased by 14.8% over the past year, compared to a 45.7% growth in the industry [6].

Equity Compensation Plans - The Company has issued 27,955,313 RSUs under the RSU Plan, representing approximately 2.1% of the Company's then issued and outstanding share capital [497]. - As of December 31, 2024, 30,000,000 Common Shares are reserved for issuance under the RSU Plan, which is approximately 2.3% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares [496]. - The PSU Plan reserves 10,000,000 Common Shares for issuance, representing approximately 0.8% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital as of December 31, 2024 [513]. - The Company had issued 6,255,357 PSUs under the PSU Plan, representing approximately 0.5% of the Company's then issued and outstanding share capital [509]. - PSUs redeemable to acquire 1,900,400 Common Shares remain available for grant under the PSU Plan, representing approximately 0.1% of the Company's then issued and outstanding share capital [509]. - The maximum number of Common Shares that may be issuable under All Company Plans is capped at 5.3% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis [498]. - The RSU Plan allows for cash settlement of RSUs issued on or after the effective date of amendments approved by the Board in February 2025 [493]. - The Compensation Committee will credit additional RSUs to Designated Participants based on dividends, calculated using the volume weighted average trading price of Common Shares [498]. - In the event of a change of control, unvested RSUs will immediately vest for Designated Participants whose employment ceases for reasons other than resignation without good reason or termination for cause [505]. - The RSU Plan and PSU Plan amendments approved by the Board in 2023 did not require shareholder approval, reflecting the Company's responsiveness to regulatory changes [506]. Stock Option Plan - As of December 31, 2024, there were 47,742,187 Options issued and outstanding under the Stock Option Plan, representing approximately 3.6% of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital [528]. - The maximum number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Stock Option Plan is equal to 5.3% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis at any time [533]. - The maximum number of Common Shares issued to insiders within any one-year period pursuant to the Stock Option Plan will not exceed 5.3% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares [533]. - The vesting period for Options granted to the CEO on or after May 8, 2018 shall occur in equal increments over five years [533]. - In the event of a change of control, unvested Options will immediately vest if the acquiring party does not assume the obligations under the Stock Option Plan [539]. - The exercise price for each Option is fixed at the time of grant and cannot be less than the closing market price on the last trading day prior to the grant date [539]. - The Stock Option Plan is a "rolling" plan, allowing for the return of unexercised or terminated Options for future grants [533]. - The Board may amend the terms of the Option Plans without the consent of the optionees, provided such amendments do not adversely alter any previously granted Options [541]. - Options granted prior to April 28, 2021, may be exercisable for a maximum term of ten years, while those granted on or after that date are exercisable for five years [539]. Sabina Replacement Options - The company completed the Sabina Arrangement on April 19, 2023, acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp., resulting in the transfer of 8,643,750 Sabina Options for 3,342,413 Sabina Replacement Options [560]. - As of December 31, 2024, there are 2,462,700 Sabina Replacement Options outstanding, representing approximately 0.2% of the company's issued and outstanding share capital [560]. - The company does not intend to grant any further stock options, restricted share units, or deferred share units under the Sabina Plan [560]. - One-third of the Sabina Replacement Options will vest on the original grant date and on the first and second anniversaries, while those granted after May 3, 2019, will vest in quarters over the same period [570]. - Sabina Replacement Options granted prior to May 25, 2022, have a ten-year exercise period, while those granted on or after that date have a five-year exercise period [571]. - In the event of a change of control, holders of Sabina Replacement Options may exercise their options regardless of the original grant terms [576]. - Any unvested Sabina Replacement Options will continue to vest in accordance with the vesting provisions upon a change of control [579]. Operational and Financial Outlook - The company anticipates first gold production from the Goose Project in Q2 2025 [588]. - The company aims to achieve sustainability milestones and greenhouse gas targets at its Fekola and Otjikoto Mines and the Masbate Gold Project [588]. - The company is subject to risks including metal price volatility and changes in tax laws, which could impact financial performance [589]. - The company plans to maintain compliance with environmental regulations and manage climate change impacts [589]. - B2Gold's operations face risks related to compliance with foreign laws in countries such as Mali, Namibia, the Philippines, and Colombia [590]. - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act [590]. - Key risks include fluctuations in energy prices, availability of necessary equipment, and competition with other mining companies [590]. - Management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance are subject to various social, economic, and political conditions [593]. - The ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms is crucial for meeting current and future obligations [591]. - The company faces challenges related to attracting and retaining skilled personnel, which is critical for operations [590]. - Community support for operations is essential, with risks related to strikes and conflicts with small-scale miners [590]. Forward-Looking Statements - Forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions regarding operational viability, including development and exploration activities [591]. - There is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove accurate, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated [594]. - The company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law [594].

Core Viewpoint - B2Gold Corp. reported strong operational performance in Q1 2025, exceeding gold production expectations and achieving lower than anticipated all-in sustaining costs, while remaining on track for future production milestones. Financial Performance - Consolidated gold production reached 192,752 ounces in Q1 2025, surpassing expectations and maintaining alignment with annual production guidance [2][54] - Consolidated cash operating costs were $832 per gold ounce produced, lower than expected due to reduced fuel costs and increased production [2][54] - All-in sustaining costs were $1,533 per gold ounce sold, also lower than anticipated, attributed to reduced cash operating costs and sustaining capital expenditures [2][54] - Attributable net income was $58 million, or $0.04 per share, with adjusted net income of $122 million, or $0.09 per share [2][54] - Operating cash flow before working capital adjustments was $244 million, or $0.19 per share [2][54] Project Developments - The Goose Project is on track for first gold production in June 2025, with total construction and mine development budget remaining at C$1,540 million [2][54][44] - The 2025 Winter Ice Road campaign was completed ahead of schedule, facilitating material delivery for operations [2][54][41] - Estimated gold production from the Goose Project for 2025 is between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces, with an average annual production forecast of approximately 300,000 ounces from 2026 to 2031 [2][54][55] Optimization Studies - Multiple optimization studies are underway for the Goose Project, including increasing mill throughput from 4,000 tonnes per day to potentially 6,000 tonnes per day and evaluating a flotation/concentrate leach process to enhance gold recovery [3][45][46] - Results from these studies are expected to be finalized in late 2025 or early 2026 [3][48] Other Projects - A feasibility study for the Gramalote Project in Colombia is targeted for completion in mid-2025, following positive Preliminary Economic Assessment results [5][51] - Positive PEA results for the Antelope deposit at the Otjikoto Mine indicate potential for a small-scale, low-cost underground gold mine, with a development decision anticipated in Q3 2025 [5][34] Liquidity and Capital Resources - As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $330 million and working capital of $174 million [7][54] - The company repaid $400 million on its revolving credit facility, leaving $800 million available for future drawdowns [7][54]

Core Viewpoint - B2Gold Corp (BTG) is expected to report first-quarter 2025 earnings on May 7, with a consensus estimate of 8 cents, reflecting a 33.3% growth from the previous year [1] Earnings Performance - B2Gold has a mixed earnings surprise history, with one beat and three misses in the last four quarters, averaging a negative surprise of 37.1% [3] - The reported earnings for the last four quarters were 0.01, 0.02, 0.06, and 0.06, with the estimates being 0.06, 0.05, 0.08, and 0.05 respectively [3] Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict a conclusive earnings beat for BTG this time, as it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4][6] Factors Influencing Q1 Performance - Gold prices averaged $2,883.40 per ounce in Q1 2025, a 39% increase from the previous year, driven by geopolitical tensions, a depreciating U.S. dollar, and central bank purchases [8] - B2Gold experienced a production loss in 2024 due to an excavator incident at the Fekola mine but expects to recover lost production in 2025 [9] Cost Pressures - The company is facing cost inflation across all sites, impacting input prices such as reagents, fuel, and consumables, which may affect first-quarter margins [10] Share Price Performance - B2Gold shares have increased by 21.8% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 41% [11]

Group 1 - B2Gold closed at $3.11, with a daily gain of +0.32%, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 0.15% [1] - Over the previous month, B2Gold shares increased by 6.9%, while the Basic Materials sector and S&P 500 experienced losses of 1.29% and 0.21%, respectively [1] Group 2 - B2Gold is set to release its earnings report on May 7, 2025, with analysts expecting earnings of $0.08 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 33.33% [2] - For the full year, analysts project earnings of $0.45 per share and revenue of $2.92 billion, reflecting increases of +181.25% and +53.68% from the previous year [3] Group 3 - Recent changes to analyst estimates for B2Gold indicate positive sentiment regarding the company's business operations and profit generation capabilities [4] - The Zacks Rank system, which reflects these estimate revisions, currently ranks B2Gold as 2 (Buy), with a consensus EPS estimate increase of 22.64% in the past month [6] Group 4 - B2Gold has a Forward P/E ratio of 6.83, significantly lower than the industry average of 13.86, suggesting it is trading at a discount [7] - The Mining - Gold industry, to which B2Gold belongs, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 45, placing it in the top 19% of over 250 industries [7][8]