Whitehaven Coal share price crashes to 52 week low following annual result

The Whitehaven Coal share price plunged more than 12% lower today after the company released it results for the 2020 financial year.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price has plummeted to a new 52-week low of $1.08 in morning trade today. This steep slide came after the company released its annual result for the 2020 financial year (FY20).

At the time of writing, the Whitehaven Coal share price is down 12.05% to $1.10. 

man bending over to look at red arrow crashing down through the ground

Image source: Getty Images

What was in the FY20 announcement?

In today's announcement, Whitehaven reported FY20 coal production of 20.6 million tonnes.

Revenue came in at $1.72 billion, down from $2.49 billion in the prior corresponding period (pcp).

Whitehaven Coal had net profit after tax of $30.07 million in the 2020 financial year, down 94.7% on pcp. According to the company, its earnings were impacted by lower coal prices. Net profit was also affected by the amortisation of the value of its mines. Depreciation and amortisation totalled $224.6 million in the 2020 financial year.

Diluted earnings per share were 3 cents in FY20 compared to 52.4 cents per share in FY19.

The company reported underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $306 million in the 2020 financial year, down from $1.04 billion in 2019.

Whitehaven Coal had net debt of $788 million at 30 June 2020 and liquidity of $468.8 million.

Managing director and CEO Paul Flynn commented on the company's FY21 outlook: "Our immediate focus is on achieving greater efficiency and more consistent operational performance in anticipation of markets rebalancing and price improvements beginning to flow through."

About Whitehaven Coal 

Whitehaven Coal is a producer and exporter of thermal coal with assets in Australia. It has been listed on the ASX since 2007.

Earlier in August, Whitehaven Coal announced that it had received approval for its Vickery extension project near Gunnedah in NSW. The project will involve capital spending of $700 million.

The Whitehaven Coal share price today hit a new 52-week low of $1.08. It is down more than 57% since the beginning of the year and more than 66% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Chris Chitty has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ASX Share Market News

Three children wearing athletic short and singlets stand side by side on a running track wearing medals around their necks and standing with their hands on their hips.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a sour start to the trading week today.

Read more »

Woman checking out new laptops.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Down 14% today: Are JB Hi-Fi shares now a bargain-bin buy?

Could JB's plunge mean a bargain buy?

Read more »

A young woman holds her hand to her ear and leans sideways as if to listen to something that's surprising her as her eyes and her mouth are wide open.
ASX Share Market News

Why Lendlease, A2 Milk and JB Hi Fi shares are turning heads on Monday

Lendlease, A2 Milk and JB Hi-Fi shares are making waves on Monday. But why?

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Broker Notes

Macquarie says this Gina Rinehart-backed miner could pile on more than 150% in value

A big jump in rare earths resources has the analysts interested.

Read more »

A couple sits on a sofa, each clutching their heads in horror and disbelief, while looking at a laptop screen.
ASX Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Short sellers have their eyes on these shares.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Broker Notes

Data centre work could help drive this ASX industrial stock to a record high

This company has a track record of strong growth.

Read more »

Two men in business attire play chess.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Steadfast Group shares in focus after $6.00 per share takeover proposal update

Exclusive talks have been extended until 21 August.

Read more »

A view of competitors in a running event, some wearing number bibs, line up together on a starting line looking ahead as if to start a race.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Sonic Healthcare, AMP, CBA shares

Let's start the week with some fresh ratings from the experts. 

Read more »