Core Viewpoint - Kinross Gold Corporation will release its 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year financial statements on February 18, 2026, and provide full-year 2026 guidance along with an exploration and project update [1] Financial Reporting Schedule - Q1 2026 financial statements will be released on April 29, 2026, with a conference call on April 30, 2026 [4] - Q2 2026 financial statements will be released on July 29, 2026, with a conference call on July 30, 2026 [4] - Q3 2026 financial statements will be released on October 28, 2026, with a conference call on October 29, 2026 [4] Company Overview - Kinross Gold Corporation is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada [3] - The company focuses on responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth, and maintaining a strong balance sheet [3]

PresentationGood morning. My name is Jenny, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Kinross Gold First Quarter 2026 U.S. Projects Update Virtual Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to turn the call over to Mr. David Shaver, Senior Vice President of Kinross Gold. David, you may begin.David ShaverSenior VP of Investor Relations & Communications Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone. Before we begin, I'd like to state t ...

Core Viewpoint - Kinross Gold Corporation is advancing the construction of three organic growth projects, which are expected to significantly enhance production, extend mine life, and improve long-term cost efficiency within its U.S. portfolio, contributing a total of 3 million ounces of life-of-mine production [1][7]. Group 1: Project Overview - The three projects include Round Mountain Phase X, Bald Mountain Redbird 2, and Kettle River-Curlew, all of which are anticipated to extend mine life and enhance production capabilities [1][7]. - The projects are expected to maintain a production profile of 2 million gold equivalent ounces per year, with specific contributions of 400,000 ounces per year from 2029 to 2031 and a total of 3 million ounces from 2028 to 2038 [5][7]. Group 2: Financial Highlights - The combined internal rate of return (IRR) for the projects is projected at 55%, with a cumulative post-tax net present value (NPV) exceeding $4.1 billion at a gold price of $4,300 per ounce [5][7]. - Capital expenditures for the projects are forecasted at approximately $425 million in 2026, with total attributable capital expenditures for the global portfolio expected to be around $1.5 billion [5][63]. Group 3: Round Mountain Phase X Details - The Phase X project is expected to produce approximately 1.4 million gold equivalent ounces over an initial 11-year mine life, extending production at Round Mountain until 2038, with an average annual production of about 140,000 ounces from 2029 to 2037 [13][15]. - The project will have an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,680 per gold equivalent ounce, which is expected to lower the cost profile at Round Mountain [13][15]. Group 4: Kettle River-Curlew Highlights - The Curlew project is projected to produce approximately 940,000 ounces over an initial 11-year mine life, averaging about 100,000 ounces per year for the first five years [34][39]. - The average mining grade is expected to be 5.8 g/t, with an AISC of $1,726 per ounce over the life of the mine [34][39]. Group 5: Bald Mountain Redbird 2 Highlights - The Redbird 2 project is expected to yield approximately 640,000 ounces, with first production anticipated in 2028 and an average production of about 155,000 ounces per year from 2028 to 2031 [49][51]. - The project will have an AISC of $1,466 per ounce, benefiting from existing infrastructure and economies of scale [51][53]. Group 6: Exploration and Upside Potential - There is significant potential for resource extensions and further exploration at all three projects, with existing intercepts indicating higher grades and improved mineability [29][45]. - The company is focused on leveraging its existing infrastructure and historical production capabilities to maximize the potential of these projects [33][39].

Core Viewpoint - Kinross Gold Corporation will provide an update on its Round Mountain Phase X, Kettle River-Curlew, and Bald Mountain Redbird 2 projects on January 15, 2026, followed by a virtual presentation and Q&A session [1]. Group 1: Presentation Details - The virtual presentation will take place at 9:00 a.m. EST on January 15, 2026 [1]. - A webcast link for the presentation is provided, along with toll-free numbers for Canada and the US, and an international number for participants outside these regions [2]. - A replay of the presentation will be available for 30 days after the call, with specific links and access details provided [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Kinross Gold Corporation is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada [3]. - The company focuses on delivering value through responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth, and maintaining a strong balance sheet [3]. - Kinross is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: KGC) [3].

Core Viewpoint - Kraft Heinz is planning to split into two separately traded companies, reversing its 2015 merger orchestrated by Warren Buffett [1] Group 1: Leadership Changes - Steve Cahillane, former CEO of Kellanova, will become the CEO of Kraft Heinz on January 1, leading the company post-split [2] - Cahillane previously oversaw Kellogg's breakup in 2023, which separated its North American cereal business from its snacking unit [3] - Carlos Abrams-Rivera, the outgoing CEO, will transition to an advisory role until March 6 [3] Group 2: Company Structure Post-Split - The new entity, Global Taste Elevation, will include high-growth brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese [2] - Kraft Heinz is searching for a new CEO to lead the North American Grocery segment, which includes brands like Oscar Mayer and Kraft Singles [4] - John Cahill will succeed Miguel Patricio as chair of the board during this transition [4] Group 3: Timeline and Projections - The separation of Kraft Heinz into two publicly traded companies is projected to occur in the second half of 2026 [4]

Company Overview - Kellanova, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a global manufacturer and marketer of snacks and convenience foods, with a diverse portfolio including crackers, cereals, snack bars, savory snacks, frozen foods, and noodles [1] - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $29 billion and operates in over 180 countries, selling well-known brands such as Kellogg's, Cheez-It, Pringles, Eggo, RXBAR, and Morningstar Farms [1] Stock Performance - Kellanova's shares are trading slightly below their November high of $83.65, having gained 5.6% over the past three months, matching the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average [2] - Over the past 52 weeks, Kellanova's stock has increased by 3.4% and has gained 3.1% year-to-date, while the Dow has risen by 8.6% and 13% respectively [3] - The stock has consistently traded above its 50-day moving average of $83.14 and its 200-day moving average of $81.46 since October, indicating healthy investor sentiment [3] Acquisition News - On December 8, Kellanova's shares edged higher following Mars' acquisition of Kellanova, which received final European Commission approval for $36 billion, suggesting confidence in the potential for enhanced distribution and brand synergies [4] - The merger will combine Kellanova's snacking portfolio, including brands like Pringles and Cheez-It, with Mars' lineup of popular products such as SNICKERS and M&M'S, potentially reshaping the global snacking landscape [5] Competitive Context - Kellanova's relative stability is highlighted by the performance of its rival, Constellation Brands, which has seen a decline of 38.8% over the past 52 weeks and 32.8% year-to-date, making Kellanova's performance appear more resilient [6] - Analysts maintain a cautious outlook, with a consensus rating of "Hold" among 13 analysts, as Kellanova's stock is currently trading above its average price target of $83.42 [6]

Core Points - S&P Dow Jones Indices announced changes to the S&P 500 and S&P SmallCap 600 indices, effective December 11 and December 15, 2025 [1][4] Group 1: S&P 500 Changes - Ares Management (Ticker: ARES) will be added to the S&P 500, replacing Kellanova (Ticker: K) which is being acquired by Mars Inc. [1][4] - The acquisition of Kellanova is expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions [4] Group 2: S&P SmallCap 600 Changes - Vital Farms (Ticker: VITL) will replace Heidrick & Struggles International (Ticker: HSII) in the S&P SmallCap 600, with the latter being acquired by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity [1][4] - Sezzle (Ticker: SEZL) will be added to the S&P SmallCap 600, replacing Vital Energy (Ticker: VTLE), which is being acquired by Crescent Energy Co. [1][4] - The changes for the S&P SmallCap 600 will take effect on December 11 and December 15, 2025 [1]

Core Insights - Ares is identified as one of the largest companies by market capitalization that is not currently included in the S&P 500 index [1] Company Overview - Ares has a significant market capitalization, positioning it among the largest companies in the market [1] - The exclusion from the S&P 500 index highlights a potential opportunity for investors to consider the company's growth and performance [1] Industry Context - The S&P 500 index is a key benchmark for large-cap U.S. equities, and companies not included may present unique investment opportunities [1] - Ares' status outside the index may indicate a divergence in market perception compared to its peers [1]

Core Insights - Mars, Incorporated has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its acquisition of Kellanova, completing all necessary regulatory approvals for the transaction [1][4] - The acquisition is expected to close on December 11, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [2] - The combined snacking business is projected to generate approximately $36 billion in annual revenues, featuring a portfolio that includes nine billion-dollar brands [3] Company Overview - Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned business with an estimated revenue of $55 billion and a workforce of 150,000 associates, offering a diverse range of pet care products and food items [5] - Kellanova is recognized as a leader in global snacking, international cereals, and frozen foods, with a legacy of over 100 years and a portfolio that includes brands like Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and Pop-Tarts® [8]

Core Insights - The European Commission has approved a $36 billion bid from Mars to acquire Kellanova, the maker of Pringles, following a comprehensive investigation [1] Company Summary - Mars, a leading candy and snacks company, is set to enhance its portfolio with the acquisition of Kellanova, which is known for its popular Pringles brand [1] - The approval from the European Commission indicates a significant step forward in the consolidation of the snack food industry, potentially impacting market dynamics and competition [1] Industry Summary - The acquisition reflects ongoing trends in the snack food sector, where major players are seeking to expand their product offerings and market share through strategic mergers and acquisitions [1] - The approval process by the European Commission highlights the regulatory scrutiny that large-scale acquisitions face in the food and beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of compliance and market analysis [1]