Barnes (US:B) ZACKS·2025-10-13 12:56Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation has agreed to sell its interests in the Tongon gold mine and certain exploration properties in Côte d'Ivoire for total consideration of up to $305 million, including $192 million in cash [1][10] Group 1: Transaction Details - Barrick holds an 89.7% interest in the Tongon mine, which produced 148,000 ounces of gold in 2024 and has contributed over $2 billion to the Ivorian economy since 2010 [2] - The transaction is expected to be completed in late 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [2] Group 2: Strategic Focus - Barrick has been divesting non-core assets to concentrate on Tier 1 assets, having sold its 50% interest in the Donlin Gold Project in Alaska and the Alturas Project in Chile, among others [3] - The sale of the Hemlo Gold Mine in Canada for up to $1.09 billion is also part of this strategy, expected to conclude in Q4 2025 [4] Group 3: Financial Implications - Proceeds from these asset sales will support Barrick's capital allocation strategy, aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and funding key growth initiatives [5] - Barrick's shares have increased by 111.2% year to date, slightly underperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 115.1% [8] Group 4: Earnings and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's earnings in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year rise of 67.5% and 13.8%, respectively, with EPS estimates trending higher [11] - Barrick is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 14.02, which is approximately 12.8% lower than the industry average of 16.07 [12]