National Business

TORONTO — Barrick Gold Corp. confirms it has "reviewed the opportunity" to merge with rival Newmont Mining Corp., but says no decision has been taken.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says retail sales edged down 0.1 per cent to $50.4 billion in December as sales at gasoline stations moved lower due in large part to lower prices at the pump. Economists had expected a contraction of 0.

MONTREAL — SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. slashed its dividend by 65 per cent Friday as it reported a fourth-quarter loss of $1.6 billion.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada raised its dividend as it reported quarterly net income of $3.17 billion, up from $3.01 billion a year ago, matching street expectations as market volatility during the period weighed on its earnings.

AURORA, Ont. — Magna International Inc. raised its dividend as it reported its fourth-quarter profit fell from the same period a year earlier. The Ontario-based auto parts maker, which keeps its books in U.S.

MONTREAL — Saputo Inc. has signed a friendly deal to buy United Kingdom-based company Dairy Crest Group plc in an agreement valued at about $1.7 billion. Under the deal, Saputo will pay 6.20 pounds per share for the company.

TORONTO — Home Capital Group Inc. says its fourth-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago as its mortgage originations climbed 85 per cent. The alternative mortgage lender says it earned $35.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Thursday broke off talks on vehicle mileage standards with California, increasing the chances of a court battle that threatens to unsettle the auto industry.

TORONTO — Huawei Technologies Inc. is adamant that it won't abandon Canadian consumers, telecommunications companies and universities, even if the country's government bans its 5G technology.

The head of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.