Barrick Gold Announces Record Profits and Strategic Spin-Off Plan

Barrick Mining CA0679011084

Barrick Gold Corporation has delivered a powerful financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, posting record-breaking results. In a significant strategic development, the mining giant also revealed plans to spin off a portion of its North American gold business through an initial public offering (IPO). This move is seen as a potential catalyst for unlocking further shareholder value.

The company’s impressive finish to the year was driven by a combination of higher commodity prices and strong operational execution. Revenue for the final quarter surged to $6.00 billion, marking a substantial increase from the preceding quarter. Net income stood at $2.41 billion, equivalent to $1.43 per share. Adjusted earnings also presented a robust figure of $1.04 per share.

Key operational metrics for Q4 2025 underscore this financial strength:
* Gold Production: 871,000 ounces
* Copper Production: 62,000 tonnes
* Operating Cash Flow: $2.73 billion
* Free Cash Flow: $1.62 billion

Shareholders are set to benefit directly from the company’s substantial cash generation. Under a revised capital return policy, the board approved a dramatic 140 percent increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.42 per share. This new payout combines a higher base dividend with a performance-linked component. This dividend boost was accompanied by share buybacks totaling $500 million in the fourth quarter alone. For the full 2025 year, a record $2.39 billion was returned to equity holders through these combined mechanisms.

The strategic focus is now shifting toward a major corporate restructuring. Barrick intends to separate its core North American gold assets—including key operations like Nevada Gold Mines and Pueblo Viejo—into a new, independent entity. The company plans to take this entity public, selling a minority stake of 10 to 15 percent. The objective is to highlight the inherent value of these assets, which management believes is not fully reflected in the current corporate structure.

Looking ahead to the 2026 fiscal year, management has provided production guidance forecasting gold output between 2.90 and 3.25 million ounces. Copper production is projected to be in the range of 190,000 to 220,000 tonnes. With this solid operational outlook and the planned partial spin-off, Barrick is positioning itself for the next phase of its strategic evolution.