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VANCOUVER - NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (NYSE American, TSX: NG), whose stock has seen a 10.68% return over the past year despite recent volatility, and investment firm Paulson Advisers LLC have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a combined 50% interest in the Donlin Gold project from Barrick Gold Corporation for $1 billion in cash. This transaction will see NOVAGOLD’s stake in the project increase from 50% to 60%, while Paulson will acquire a 40% interest. According to InvestingPro data, analysts have set price targets ranging from $5.03 to $10.37 for NOVAGOLD, reflecting optimism about this strategic move.
The deal, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is anticipated to conclude between late Q2 and early Q3 of 2025. Upon completion, NOVAGOLD and Paulson will have equal governance rights over Donlin Gold. InvestingPro analysis shows NOVAGOLD maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 47.82, suggesting ample capacity to meet its financial obligations. Get access to more detailed financial metrics and 6 additional ProTips with an InvestingPro subscription.
To finance its share of the acquisition, NOVAGOLD has secured funding commitments totaling $170 million from Paulson, The Electrum Group, and Kopernik Global Investors, with the remainder coming from NOVAGOLD’s treasury. The investors have also been granted five-year warrants to purchase additional NOVAGOLD shares at a set price.
Following the close of the transaction, the new partners plan to immediately begin updating the Feasibility Study for the Donlin Gold project, as well as shift the 2025 exploration focus to converting and expanding the project’s reserves and resources. The partnership will also continue to support state permitting efforts and engage with federal and state representatives. While NOVAGOLD reported an EBITDA of -$23.46M in the last twelve months, this strategic expansion could significantly impact future performance. For comprehensive analysis of NOVAGOLD’s growth potential and detailed financial metrics, explore the full Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
The Donlin Gold project, located in Alaska, is one of the largest and highest-grade open-pit gold deposits, with around 39 million ounces of gold in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. The project’s anticipated 27-year mine life and average annual production of 1.1 million ounces position it as a significant future gold producer.
Paulson, a longtime NOVAGOLD shareholder, has expressed confidence in the project’s potential, citing its substantial gold reserves, high-grade resources, and prime location in Alaska. The firm’s Chairman, John Paulson, has emphasized the project’s value creation potential and the importance of advancing it responsibly.
The transaction has been approved by NOVAGOLD’s Board of Directors and a Special Committee of independent directors. The 2025 Donlin Gold expenditure will be reassessed by the partners, with NOVAGOLD’s budget to be updated accordingly.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both NOVAGOLD and Paulson to advance the Donlin Gold project, focusing on sustainable and responsible development in collaboration with the local Native Corporations, Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement.
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