Barnes (US:B) ZACKS·2025-10-07 12:35Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation is leveraging its strong cash generation and healthy balance sheet to provide value to shareholders, emphasizing its role as a capital return-driven gold producer [1][7] - The company generated approximately $4.5 billion in operating cash flow in 2024, returning about $1.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [1][7] Financial Performance - In February 2025, Barrick's board approved a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion, with $411 million repurchased in the first half of 2025 [2] - Barrick ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of around $4.8 billion, generating operating cash flows of roughly $1.3 billion in the quarter, a 15% increase year over year [3] - Free cash flow rose to approximately $395 million from $340 million in the prior-year quarter [3] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - Barrick maintains a sustainable base dividend supported by performance-linked distributions, with a current dividend yield of 1.8% and a payout ratio of 25% [2] - The company is well-positioned to pursue exploration and development opportunities while maintaining capital returns and funding organic growth [3] Market Position and Valuation - Barrick's shares have increased by 119.6% year to date, compared to a 121.7% rise in the Zacks Mining – Gold industry [6] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 14.35, which is about a 13.4% discount to the industry average of 16.57 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's earnings in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year rise of 65.9% and 17.8%, respectively, with EPS estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [9]