The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price is in focus today as the gold miner revealed a statutory profit after tax of $490 million for FY26 and announced a fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share.
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What did St Barbara report?
- Statutory profit after tax of A$490 million, up from a loss of A$94 million in FY25
- Revenue from ordinary activities (continuing operations) down 76% to A$3.6 million
- Net assets increased 148% to A$928 million by 30 June 2026
- Cash position of A$475 million with no debt or hedging
- Fully franked final dividend of 5 cents per share declared, payable 16 October 2026
- EBITDA (excluding significant items) loss of A$18 million
What else do investors need to know?
St Barbara's strong result was largely driven by a A$500 million gain on the deconsolidation of New Simberi Gold, following a major strategic investment by Lingbao Gold Group. This transaction saw St Barbara reduce its ownership in New Simberi Gold to 50% minus one share, making it an investment in associate rather than a controlled entity.
The company reported New Simberi Gold generated an underlying profit of A$40 million for the first nine months, compared to a A$30 million loss in FY25. The board also announced the transfer of A$355 million of FY26 statutory profit to a distributable reserve, supporting the dividend payment.
Additionally, St Barbara is considering an on-market share buy-back of up to 100 million shares, with a final decision expected after an update to the 15-Mile Processing Hub Project Pre-Feasibility Study later in 2026.
What did St Barbara management say?
Managing Director and CEO Andrew Strelein commented:
FY26 was a breakthrough year for St Barbara. We completed the Lingbao strategic investment, secured the funding and early mining lease renewal for FID on the New Simberi Gold Expansion Project, completed permitting and FID for the Touquoy Restart and we delivered a compelling 15-Mile Processing Hub Project Pre-Feasibility Study.
The strengthened balance sheet and healthy funding position has enabled the Board to declare a fully franked dividend of A$0.05 per share. The Company is also considering an on-market share buy-back of up to 100 million shares but will delay a decision until we have been able to announce the results of the update to the 15-Mile Processing Hub Project Pre-Feasibility Study, which is anticipated to be released at the end of September.
The Company is committed to prudent capital discipline and will take the opportunity to pass on the available franked dividends as quickly as the balance sheet and funding outlook permits. St Barbara enters FY27 focused on value creation for shareholders, through project delivery, operational performance and efficient capital management.
What's next for St Barbara?
Looking ahead, St Barbara intends to remain focused on project delivery and capital management following its recapitalisation and strategic partnership with Lingbao. The board expects to decide on a potential share buy-back after the release of further details on the 15-Mile Processing Hub Project.
The New Simberi Gold Expansion Project and the Touquoy Restart in Canada are both moving forward, with St Barbara highlighting sustainable value creation for shareholders as a top priority for FY27.
St Barbara share price snapshot
Over the past year, the St Barbara shares have risen 84%, significantly outpacing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).
