Fortuna reports progress on its share buyback program

Rhea-AI Summary

Fortuna Mining (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) has repurchased 6,402,640 common shares during Q4 2024 as of November 29, under its normal course issuer bid (NCIB). The shares were bought at a weighted-average price of $4.77, totaling $30.5 million. This represents 41.88% of the 15,287,201 shares authorized for repurchase. The company cites record Q3 earnings, strong free cash flow, and high gold prices as enabling factors for the buyback program, while maintaining a balance between shareholder returns and portfolio development.

Positive

• Record earnings achieved in Q3 2024
• Strong free cash flow generation
• Substantial share buyback progress: 41.88% of authorized amount completed
• $30.5 million invested in share repurchases at $4.77 per share

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The $30.5M share buyback represents a significant capital return program, executed at a strategic time with gold prices near record highs. The weighted average purchase price of $4.77 per share and completion of 41.88% of the authorized program demonstrates strong execution and commitment to shareholder value. The company's ability to fund buybacks while maintaining operational investments signals robust financial health and effective capital allocation.

The buyback reduces the share count by approximately 2.2% of outstanding shares, which should provide modest EPS accretion. With record Q3 earnings and strong free cash flow generation, this capital return strategy appears sustainable without compromising growth initiatives. The balanced approach between shareholder returns and portfolio investment suggests prudent management of the company's strong cash position.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) is pleased to report that during the fourth quarter as of Friday, November 29, 2024, it has repurchased under the Company’s normal course issuer bid (NCIB) an aggregate of 6,402,640 common shares on the open market of the New York Stock Exchange. Shares were repurchased at a weighted-average price of $4.77 per common share for a total gross amount of $30,529,066, excluding brokerage fees; these shares will be cancelled. To date, the Company has repurchased 41.88 percent of the 15,287,201 shares it is authorized to repurchase under the NCIB (refer to Fortuna news release dated April 30, 2024).  

Jorge A. Ganoza, Chief Executive Officer of Fortuna commented, “With record earnings in the third quarter, and strong free cash flow generation supported by historically high gold prices, Fortuna is positioned to return capital to its shareholders.” Mr. Ganoza continued, “Our capital priorities moving forward will be to continue to balance returns to shareholders with advancing high value opportunities in our portfolio.”

About Fortuna Mining Corp.

Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with five operating mines in Argentina, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the preliminary economic assessment stage Diamba Sud Gold Project located in Senegal. Sustainability is integral to all our operations and relationships. We produce gold and silver and generate shared value over the long-term for our stakeholders through efficient production, environmental protection, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza
President, CEO, and Director
Fortuna Mining Corp.

Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | info@fmcmail.com | fortunamining.com | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to Fortuna’s intentions with respect to the NCIB and the effects of repurchases of common shares thereunder, including any enhancement to shareholder value; and Fortuna’s capital priorities and its business strategy, plans and outlook. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expected”, “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated” “containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, legislative or regulatory developments; any significant changes to common share price or trading volume; continued availability of capital and financing; changes to general economic, market or business conditions; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Fortuna; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; risks associated with war, hostilities or other conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Israel – Hamas war, and the impacts such conflicts may have on global economic activity; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned exploration and development activities; as well as those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to prevailing and further market prices for Fortuna’s common shares; that Fortuna’s future results of operations will be consistent with past performance and management expectations in relation thereto; the continued availability of capital; future cash flow and debt levels; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected head grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company’s operations; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

FAQ

How many shares has Fortuna Mining (FSM) repurchased in Q4 2024?

Fortuna Mining has repurchased 6,402,640 common shares during Q4 2024 as of November 29, 2024.

What is the average price per share paid by Fortuna Mining (FSM) in its recent buyback?

Fortuna Mining paid a weighted-average price of $4.77 per common share in its recent buyback program.

What percentage of authorized shares has Fortuna (FSM) repurchased under its NCIB program?

Fortuna has repurchased 41.88% of the 15,287,201 shares authorized under its NCIB program.

How much has Fortuna Mining (FSM) spent on its share buyback program in Q4 2024?

Fortuna Mining has spent $30,529,066 on its share buyback program in Q4 2024, excluding brokerage fees.