TORONTO - Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX), one of the world's largest gold mining companies with a market capitalization of $27.51 billion, has issued a warning to its shareholders regarding an unsolicited mini-tender offer from TRC Capital Investment Corporation. The offer aims to acquire up to 5 million Barrick common shares, which is roughly 0.29% of the company's outstanding shares, at a price of C$21.35 per share. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong financial health score of "GREAT" and has consistently paid dividends for 38 consecutive years.
This price is notably below the market value, with a discount of about 4.52% and 4.38% from the closing prices on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, respectively, as of the last trading day prior to the offer on January 7, 2025. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with additional metrics and insights available through their comprehensive Pro Research Report, which provides deep-dive analysis of Barrick Gold among 1,400+ top US equities.
Barrick has strongly recommended that its shareholders reject this mini-tender offer, emphasizing that it is not affiliated with TRC Capital and does not endorse the bid. The company has cautioned that such mini-tenders, which seek to acquire less than 5% of a company's shares, are not subject to the same regulations and investor protections as larger tender offers under Canadian and U.S. securities laws.
Both the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have historically expressed concerns about mini-tender offers. The SEC has advised investors to be vigilant, as these offers may prey on shareholders who do not compare the bid price to the current market price. Resources for investors to understand the implications of mini-tender offers are available on the SEC and Ontario Securities Commission websites.
Shareholders who have already tendered their shares to TRC Capital have the option to withdraw them by 11:59 p.m. (Toronto time) on February 6, 2025, as per the procedures outlined in TRC Capital's offer documents. The company's strong financial position is evidenced by its healthy current ratio of 2.65, indicating ample liquidity to meet short-term obligations. InvestingPro subscribers can access over 30 additional financial metrics and exclusive ProTips about Barrick Gold's investment potential.
Barrick Gold has requested that its press release be included with any distribution of materials related to TRC Capital's mini-tender offer to ensure shareholders are fully informed. The company also advises shareholders to seek current market quotations for their shares, consult with their broker or financial advisor, and exercise caution with respect to TRC Capital's unsolicited offer. This news article is based on a press release statement from Barrick Gold Corporation.
In other recent news, Barrick Gold showcased a strong financial performance in Q3 2024, marking a 33% increase in adjusted net earnings per share and a 24% rise in free cash flow, reaching $444 million. The company's gold production remained stable while copper production saw a 12% increase. The firm also managed to reduce its net debt by 27% to $500 million due to reduced costs.
Despite positive developments, Barrick Gold faces ongoing disputes with the Government of Mali regarding the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex. The situation has escalated with the unwarranted detention of Barrick employees and blocked gold shipments. Four of Barrick's employees at the Loulo-Gounkoto complex have been detained and are awaiting trial on charges that the company contests.
Meanwhile, Citi has maintained a Neutral rating on Barrick Gold. The firm's analysts updated their model for Barrick Gold to incorporate the company's most recent guidance and adjusted expectations for commodity prices. Despite a bullish outlook on gold, with projections of the price nearing $3,000 per ounce by the end of 2024, Citi has opted to maintain a Neutral stance on Barrick Gold.
These recent developments underscore the complexities and potential challenges facing Barrick Gold in the near future. Despite these challenges, the company remains committed to resolving disputes and maintaining operational efficiency.
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