Key Takeaways AAUC topped 2025 output guidance with 379,081 ounces, driven by higher grades and mine expansions.CGAU advanced Mount Milligan permits to 2035 and targets mine life extension to 2045.AAUC agreed to a C$5.5B all-cash acquisition by Zijin Gold, expected to close in April 2026.Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) and Centerra Gold Inc. (CGAU) are emerging gold producers operating in the Zacks Mining - Gold industry. As rivals, both companies are engaged in the extraction and operation of gold mines whi ...

Core Insights - Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) achieved a record gold output in Q4 2025, producing 117,004 ounces, leading to a total production of 379,081 ounces for the year, exceeding its guidance of 375,000 ounces [1][7] - The increase in production was attributed to higher ore grades and increased ore mined at operating mines [1] - For 2026, AAUC anticipates gold production between 385,000 and 425,000 ounces, with the Kurmuk Project expected to contribute an additional 100,000 to 150,000 ounces, raising total guidance for 2026 to 485,000 to 575,000 ounces [3][7] Production Details - Q4 2025 gold production was 34% higher than the average of the first three quarters of the year [2] - Specific contributions included 57,191 ounces from Sadiola mines, 33,279 ounces from Bonikro mine, and 26,534 ounces from Agbaou, all benefiting from improved ore quality [2] Peer Comparison - Barrick Mining Corporation produced 3.26 million ounces of gold in 2025, with total revenues of approximately $16.9 billion [4] - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's payable gold production was 3,447,367 ounces, with production costs per ounce at $965 and all-in sustaining costs at $1,339 [5] Valuation and Performance - AAUC shares increased by 92.5% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 39.1% [6] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 4.58X, significantly below the industry average of 14.3X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AAUC's 2026 earnings has risen by 5.8% in the last 60 days [10]

TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Gold Corporation (TSX: AAUC, NYSE: AAUC) (“Allied” or the “Company”) herein provides its preliminary operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, alongside the Company’s 2026 operating guidance and updates to its Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. The Company produced 117,004 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter and 379,081 ounces for the full-year 2025. Performance was in line with expectations and operating plans, exceeding Q4 g ...

Core Viewpoint - Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) is experiencing operational strength across its sites in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ethiopia, with a notable increase in gold production in 2025 [1][8]. Production and Operations - In the first nine months of 2025, Allied Gold produced 262,077 ounces of gold, an increase from 258,459 ounces in the same period last year [1]. - The company is expected to increase its output to over 375,000 ounces in 2025, driven by significant production in the fourth quarter, particularly from the Bonikro mine and the commencement of the Phase 1 fresh ore comminution circuit at the Sadiola operation [2][8]. - Allied Gold is enhancing its drilling of high-grade zones and refining mine models to improve productivity and accuracy [3]. - New equipment has been deployed at the Sadiola mine to enhance fleet availability, and experienced local hires have strengthened mine management in Mali [3]. - The company is increasing stripping activities at Bonikro and Agbaou sites to access higher-grade ore, which is expected to boost production and operational efficiency [3]. Exploration and Future Plans - Allied Gold is expanding exploration activities at its Kurmuk mine in Ethiopia in preparation for planned production in 2026, focusing on increasing gold resources and extending the mine life at Ashashire and Dish Mountain [4]. Market Position and Valuation - Allied Gold's shares have surged 90.3% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 36.1% [7]. - The company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 1.91X, which is below the industry average of 3.52X, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AAUC's 2026 earnings has increased by 10.1% over the past 60 days, reflecting positive market sentiment [11].

Group 1 - Allied Gold Corporation (NYSE:AAUC) has agreed to be acquired by Zijin Gold International in a friendly all-cash transaction valuing the company's equity at approximately C$5.5 billion, with a C$44 per share offer representing a 27% premium to its 30-day volume-weighted average price on the TSX [3] - The transaction is structured as a plan of arrangement under Ontario law and is expected to close by late April 2026, with no financing condition due to Zijin's existing liquidity [3] - The acquisition provides shareholders with immediate value at a meaningful premium, reducing execution and jurisdictional risks associated with Allied's African assets [4] Group 2 - The all-cash structure of the deal reduces market uncertainty and provides liquidity to shareholders, while Zijin's strong balance sheet and operational expertise enhance confidence in the completion of the transaction [4] - The current stock price of Allied Gold is trading near the offer price, making it an attractive merger-arbitrage opportunity for investors seeking defined near-term returns [4] - Allied Gold Corporation, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, operates gold mines in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ethiopia [5]

Core Viewpoint - Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) has experienced a significant share price increase of 88.4% over the past three months, outperforming both the industry and the S&P 500 [1] Price Performance - AAUC's stock closed at $31.57, nearing its 52-week high of $32.08 and significantly above its 52-week low of $8.67 [4] - The stock is trading above its 50-day and 100-day moving averages, indicating strong upward momentum and confidence in the company's long-term prospects [4] Factors Driving Allied Gold - The company produced 262,077 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2025, an increase from 258,459 ounces in the same period the previous year [9] - AAUC is expected to increase output to over 375,000 ounces in 2025, driven by production growth at the Bonikro mine and advancements at the Sadiola operation [10] - The expansion at Sadiola includes a new fresh ore comminution circuit, enhancing the ability to process high-grade ores [10] - Allied Gold is enhancing its operations by drilling high-grade zones, refining mine models, and deploying new equipment to improve efficiency [11] - The company is also expanding exploration activities at its Kurmuk mine in Ethiopia, aiming to increase gold resources and extend mine life [12] Acquisition Agreement - In January 2026, AAUC entered into an agreement for an all-cash acquisition by Zijin Gold International Company Limited, valued at C$5.5 billion (approximately $4.1 billion), expected to close in April 2026 [13] Market Context - Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and central bank policy shifts have contributed to a surge in gold prices, with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, making gold more attractive to investors [14] Valuation - AAUC is trading at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 5.05X, significantly lower than the industry average of 14.31X, and compared to peers Aris Mining and Alamos Gold at 8.09X and 18.55X, respectively [19] Conclusion - The strong operational performance across Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ethiopia positions Allied Gold for significant future transformation, making it an attractive option for potential investors [20]

Group 1: Allied Gold Corporation - Allied Gold Corporation operates a portfolio of producing assets and development projects primarily in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Ethiopia [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and its current year earnings estimate increased by 26.8% over the last 60 days [1] - Allied Gold's shares gained 87.6% over the last three months, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [2] Group 2: Proto Labs - Proto Labs is an online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping and short-run production [2] - The company also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and its current year earnings estimate increased by 6.9% over the last 60 days [2] - Proto Labs' shares increased by 34.7% over the last three months, again outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [3] Group 3: RBC Bearings - RBC Bearings manufactures and distributes engineered bearings and precision components [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and its current year earnings estimate rose by 3.9% over the last 60 days [3] - RBC Bearings' shares gained 23.6% over the last three months, surpassing the S&P 500's gain of 1.2% [4]

Core Viewpoint - Allied Gold Corporation is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a significant increase in earnings estimates for the current year [1]. Financial Metrics - Allied Gold Corporation has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 5.31, which is substantially lower than the S&P's P/E of 25.58, indicating strong value characteristics [2]. - The company has experienced a 26.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1].

Core Viewpoint - Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) and Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) are emerging gold producers in the Zacks Mining - Gold industry, both expanding production through operating mines and development projects across the Americas and Africa [2][3]. Aris Mining (ARMN) - Aris Mining produced 69,852 ounces of gold in Q4 2025, totaling 256,503 ounces for the year, a 22% increase year over year, exceeding the guidance range of 230,000-275,000 ounces [4][11]. - The Segovia mine is the primary driver of production growth, with an expected output of 265,000-300,000 ounces in 2026, up from 227,762 ounces in 2025 [5]. - The acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in the Soto Norte project positions Aris Mining as the sole owner, reaffirming it as a top undeveloped gold asset in the Americas [6]. - The Marmato operation is also a long-term growth engine, with expected production of 35,000-50,000 ounces in 2026, up from 28,741 ounces in 2025 [7]. - Aris Mining has a strong cash balance of $390 million at the end of Q4 2025, supporting ongoing investment in expansion projects [8]. - However, ARMN faces rising cost pressures, with all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) increasing 6.6% year over year to approximately $1,641 per ounce [9][11]. Allied Gold (AAUC) - Allied Gold produced 262,077 ounces of gold in the first nine months of 2025, slightly above the previous year's output, and anticipates production exceeding 375,000 ounces for the full year [12]. - The company is enhancing performance through drilling high-grade zones and improving mine models, with new equipment introduced at Sadiola to increase fleet availability [13]. - The Kurmuk mine in Ethiopia is a significant development project, targeting an average production of about 290,000 ounces per year, with plans to grow total resources to 5 million ounces over five years [14]. - AAUC is experiencing cost inflation, with total cost of sales increasing 20.7% year over year to $2,087 per gold ounce sold [15]. - The company has recorded weaker cash flow generation due to high capital expenditures, impacting profitability as margins are constrained by rising costs [16]. Financial Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARMN's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a growth of 311.8%, with estimates trending 3.7% upward over the past 60 days [17]. - For AAUC, the 2025 EPS estimate implies a year-over-year growth of 928.6%, with estimates increasing by 17.1% over the same period [18]. - In the past six months, ARMN's shares surged 194.5%, while AAUC stock gained 148.3% [20]. - ARMN is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 6.17X, below its median of 6.91X, while AAUC's forward earnings multiple is at 5.46X, higher than its median of 4.71X [22]. Conclusion - Aris Mining is well-positioned for long-term growth with a strong pipeline of projects and a solid cash position, while Allied Gold faces near-term challenges due to elevated costs and weaker cash flow [24][26].

Core Insights - Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI) reported a significant increase in gold-equivalent production for Q3 2025, reaching 621,000 ounces, a 22% rise from 510,000 ounces in Q3 2024 [1][8] Production Highlights - The Salares Norte mine in Chile was a key contributor, producing approximately 112,000 ounces of gold-equivalent, which is a 53% sequential increase from 73,000 ounces [2][8] - Tarkwa mine in Ghana contributed 123,000 ounces, reflecting a 15% sequential increase due to higher feed grades and improved processing [3] - Other mines, including Damang, South Deep, Gruyere, and St Ives, maintained solid production levels, supporting overall portfolio growth [3] Cost Metrics - GFI's stronger production output led to improved cost metrics, with All-in Costs (AIC) at $1,835 per ounce and All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) at $1,557 per ounce for the quarter [4][8] Peer Comparison - Allied Gold Corporation (AAUC) reported a production increase to 87,020 ounces, up from 85,147 ounces year-over-year, with AISC at $2,092 per ounce and AIC at $2,383 per ounce [5] - AngloGold Ashanti plc. (AU) achieved 768,000 ounces of gold-equivalent production, a 17% increase from 657,000 ounces, with AISC at $1,720 per ounce and AIC at $1,225 per ounce [6] Market Performance - GFI shares have increased by 240.3% over the year, outperforming the industry average increase of 168.1% [7] Valuation Metrics - GFI is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 4.5X, which is higher than the industry average of 4.08X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GFI's earnings implies a year-over-year growth of 261% for 2026, followed by a decline of 16% in 2027 [11]