IAMGOLD Gears Up to Report Q4 Earnings: What's in Store?

Core Viewpoint - IAMGOLD Corporation (IAG) is anticipated to show a year-over-year improvement in its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a consensus estimate of 14 cents per share, up from six cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2023 [1][2]. Earnings Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IAG's earnings has decreased by 17.65% over the past 60 days [2]. - IAMGOLD has consistently beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 203.4% [3][4]. Production and Sales - IAG's attributable gold production reached 177,000 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from 136,000 ounces in the same quarter of 2023, driven by the Côté Gold mine and improved performance at Westwood [7]. - Côté Gold produced 62,000 attributable ounces in the fourth quarter, while Westwood produced 35,000 ounces, up from 28,000 ounces in the previous year [8][9]. - The Essakane mine's production was 80,000 ounces, down from 108,000 ounces year-over-year due to planned maintenance [10]. - Total gold sales for the fourth quarter were 177,000 ounces, with an average realized price of approximately $2,509 per ounce, leading to revenues of$444 million, compared to $298 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 [11]. Cost and Margin Considerations - Increased pricing for consumables like cyanide and grinding media is expected to negatively impact IAMGOLD's margins, particularly at the Côté Gold Mine, where costs are anticipated to remain high until throughput targets are met [12]. Stock Performance - IAG's stock has appreciated by 148% over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry average growth of 50.4% [13].