All amounts expressed in US dollars
TORONTO, May 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At today’s virtual annual and special meeting of Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX), the $750 million return of capital distribution proposed by the company’s board was supported by over 99% of the shares voted at the meeting. This will be paid in three tranches in the course of 2021.
More than 90% of the shares voted also approved resolutions on the election of directors and Barrick’s approach to executive compensation, in what executive chairman John Thornton said was a strong show of support for Barrick’s long-term growth strategy.
“As owners of five of the top ten gold producing operations in the world and with strong cashflows, no net debt and a 10-year plan based primarily on declared reserves and resources, we believe that our sustainable profitability is not yet recognized in the share price,” Thornton said.
“What is clear is that the industry is not replacing what it is mining. The real winners will be the companies who grow their businesses for the long-term, rather than focusing on short-term gains, extending 10-year plans to 15 and even 20 years, which is what Barrick is doing.”
Barrick is well on its way to becoming the industry’s most valued company, not least in ESG, which has become a key investment criterion. Its principles have long been embedded in every facet of the business, as our recently published sustainability report emphatically shows. This has also been recognized by third parties as shown in the proxy advisory reports for the meeting when ISS gave the company their highest quality score for environmental and social disclosure. Similarly, the Glass Lewis report highlighted Barrick’s strong management of sustainability risks at the executive and Board level, and noted that they consider our ESG reporting to be ahead of many of our peers.
Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors, the appointment of auditors, the advisory resolution on executive compensation and the special resolution for the return of capital are set out below:
| Nominee | Votes For | % For | Votes Withheld | % Withheld |
| D Mark Bristow | 1,075,401,068 | 98.16% | 20,110,247 | 1.84% |
| Gustavo A Cisneros | 1,019,349,837 | 93.05% | 76,161,478 | 6.95% |
| Christopher L Coleman | 1,050,723,491 | 95.91% | 44,787,824 | 4.09% |
| J Michael Evans | 1,091,364,618 | 99.62% | 4,146,697 | 0.38% |
| Brian L Greenspun | 1,059,060,287 | 96.67% | 36,451,028 | 3.33% |
| J Brett Harvey | 1,033,202,832 | 94.31% | 62,308,483 | 5.69% |
| Anne Kabagambe | 1,092,684,865 | 99.74% | 2,826,450 | 0.26% |
| Andrew J Quinn | 1,091,763,066 | 99.66% | 3,748,249 | 0.34% |
| Loreto Silva | 1,069,340,839 | 97.61% | 26,170,476 | 2.39% |
| John L Thornton | 989,758,224 | 90.35% | 105,753,091 | 9.65% |
Voting results for the resolution approving the appointment of the auditor are as follows:
| Votes For | % For | Votes Withheld | % Withheld |
| 1,100,915,261 | 90.85% | 110,897,060 | 9.15% |
Voting results for the advisory resolution on executive compensation are as follows:
| Votes For | % For | Votes Against | % Against |
| 1,001,351,933 | 91.41% | 94,109,919 | 8.59% |
Voting results for the special resolution to approve the capital reduction in order to enable the return of capital are as follows:
| Votes For | % For | Votes Against | % Against |
| 1,207,550,978 | 99.65% | 4,255,991 | 0.35% |
Enquiries
President and CEOMark Bristow+1 647 205 7694+44 788 071 1386
Senior EVP and CFOGraham Shuttleworth+1 647 262 2095+44 779 771 1338
Investor and Media RelationsKathy du Plessis+44 20 7557 7738Email: [email protected]
Website: www.barrick.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Barrick’s strategy, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “will”, “believe”, “strategy” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to Barrick’s prospects for future growth, share price performance, life-of-mine planning and sustainable profitability over the long term.
Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Barrick as at the date of this press release in light of management’s experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company, as applicable, to be materially different from those anticipated, estimated, or intended.
Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, and the risks that may affect Barrick’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Barrick disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.