Nvidia and TSMC to unveil first domestic wafer for Blackwell chips, Axios reports
Investing.com -- S&P Global Ratings has upgraded IAMGOLD Corp. to ’BB-’ from ’B’ with a stable outlook, citing the company’s production ramp-up at Côte Gold mine, planned debt reduction, and higher gold prices.
IAMGOLD reached commercial production at Côte Gold in August 2024 and achieved nameplate capacity in June 2025. The mine is expected to contribute 250,000 ounces of gold output in 2025 for IAMGOLD’s 70% share, with modest increases anticipated in subsequent years.
Gold prices in 2025 are averaging 35% above 2024 levels due to geopolitical tensions, central bank demand, and reduced interest rates. This price surge, combined with increased production, has significantly boosted IAMGOLD’s earnings and cash flow.
The company’s adjusted leverage improved to 1.5x as of June 30, 2025, down from 5.2x at the end of 2023. S&P expects IAMGOLD to generate free operating cash flow of nearly $2 billion for 2025-2027, which will be used to repay most of its outstanding debt of approximately $650 million over the next few quarters.
S&P has revised its gold price assumptions to $3,700 per ounce for the remainder of 2025, $3,300 in 2026, $2,600 in 2027, and $2,300 thereafter. Based on these projections, IAMGOLD’s leverage is expected to remain well below 1x through 2027.
Despite these improvements, S&P notes that IAMGOLD faces challenges including high asset concentration, elevated production costs, and a short reserve life at its Essakane mine in Burkina Faso. The Essakane operation, which accounts for about half of the company’s consolidated production, has a reserve life of just over three years.
IAMGOLD is considered one of the higher-cost gold producers globally, with consolidated cash costs estimated in the mid-$1,400 per ounce range for 2025.
The stable outlook reflects S&P’s expectation that IAMGOLD will generate substantial free cash flow and use it to reduce debt over the next 12 months, maintaining robust credit metrics with adjusted debt to EBITDA well below 1x in the coming years.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.