Barrick(GOLD) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Barrick reported record operating cash flow, free cash flow, and adjusted net earnings for Q3 2025, with free cash flow increasing by 274% quarter-over-quarter [10][11] - The company ended the quarter with a net cash position, allowing for a 25% increase in the base dividend and a significant share repurchase program totaling $598 million [10][11] - Attributable EBITDA increased by 20% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher gold prices and production volume growth [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gold production increased by 4% from Q2, with notable contributions from Kibali, Cortez, and Turquoise Ridge [8][13] - Copper production slightly declined due to a planned shutdown at Lumwana, but is expected to meet annual guidance [8][16] - North America's attributable EBITDA rose by 19% from Q2, with all sites reporting lower unit costs per ounce [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gold price experienced a 5% increase, contributing to a 25% quarter-on-quarter increase in attributable gold EBITDA [8] - The company anticipates continued growth in both gold and copper production in Q4, aligning with its 2025 production guidance [9][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing operational performance and safety, particularly in its North American gold assets [4][5] - Barrick is prioritizing the Fourmile project, which is considered one of the most significant gold discoveries of the century, with plans to double the existing resource [14][19] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while investing in growth and returning excess cash to shareholders [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of safety and operational performance, especially following three fatalities in the quarter [6][7] - The operational review aims to stabilize and improve consistency in production, with no major changes expected in medium-term guidance [31][32] - The company is optimistic about achieving its production guidance for both gold and copper, despite the challenges faced [17] Other Important Information - The company has increased its exploration budget for Fourmile by over $10 million for the remainder of 2025 [14] - Asset sales, including Hemlo and Tongon, are expected to close before the end of the year, further strengthening the company's financial position [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide a framework for the operational review at Nevada Gold Mines? - The operational review focuses on stabilizing operations and improving maintenance approaches to avoid unexpected downtimes [22][23] Question: Is there any update on the maintenance issues at Carlin? - The scaling issue at Gold Quarry occurred post-maintenance shutdown and has been addressed [24][25] Question: What is the expected output of the operational review? - The review aims to provide more predictable outcomes and will inform next year's budget, but no major changes are anticipated [30][31] Question: Are there any other potential areas for asset sales? - Currently, the focus remains on North America and key growth projects, with no immediate plans for additional asset sales [39] Question: What changes in corporate policies can be expected under the new leadership? - The strategy remains consistent, with an increased focus on North America and Nevada as key growth areas [81]