Equinox Gold jumps as 5% buyback kicks in after record production year
Equinox Gold (EQX) is moving higher as investors focus on its newly launched 5% share buyback (NCIB) that began March 2, 2026, alongside a new quarterly dividend. Recent company updates highlighted record 2025 production of 922,827 ounces and 2026 guidance of 700,000–800,000 ounces, supporting a stronger shareholder-return narrative.
1) What’s driving EQX today
Equinox Gold shares are up as the market continues to price in the company’s stepped-up capital return program—most notably the normal course issuer bid (NCIB) to repurchase and cancel up to 39,414,095 shares (about 5% of shares outstanding). The NCIB runs for up to 12 months and commenced on March 2, 2026, giving investors a clear catalyst for incremental demand and a tighter share count over time. (globenewswire.com)
2) Capital returns: dividend plus buyback narrative
In addition to the buyback authorization, Equinox Gold introduced an inaugural quarterly cash dividend of US$0.015 per share, payable March 26, 2026 (record date March 12, 2026). Together, the dividend and buyback signal a shift toward returning cash to shareholders after the company’s balance-sheet actions and portfolio changes over the past year. (chartmill.com)
3) Fundamentals in the backdrop: record output and 2026 outlook
Operationally, Equinox has been emphasizing a “transformational year” with record 2025 gold production of 922,827 ounces and 2026 production guidance of 700,000 to 800,000 ounces, with performance expected to benefit from ramp-ups at Greenstone and Valentine. The improving operational story helps investors underwrite the sustainability of capital returns and reinforces the idea that buybacks could be particularly impactful if cash generation improves as new mines scale. (globenewswire.com)