Why is the Newcrest (ASX:NCM) share price struggling in 2021?

Shares in the Aussie gold miner have been under pressure throughout the 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 Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX: NCM) share price has been under pressure this year. Shares in the Aussie gold miner have slumped 9% lower in 2021 despite strong gains for other ASX resources shares.

What's going on with this S&P/ASX 20 Index (ASX: XTL) constituent right now and why is it under pressure?

A sad Carnaby Resources miner holds his head in his hands

Image source: Getty Images

Why the Newcrest share price is struggling in 2021

Newcrest is primarily a gold and copper miner, and a large one at that. According to the group's recent FY21 results, Newcrest produced 2.1 million ounces of gold and 142.7 thousand tonnes of copper last year.

It's perhaps surprising to see the Newcrest share price struggle given the strong realised prices seen in FY21. Newcrest's realised gold price jumped 17% to US$1,796 per ounce while copper prices were up 42% to US$3.66 per pound.

Group revenue climbed 17% in FY21 to $4.6 billion with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) up 33% to $2.4 billion. That helped Newcrest post record free cash flow in FY21 of $1.1 billion.

Those strong headline numbers weren't enough to arrest the recent Newcrest share price slump. Shares in the Aussie gold miner have been sliding lower since the middle of the year.

Gold prices and market expectations could help explain the recent valuation slump. A large proportion of Aussie gold miners have seen their share prices fall in the last year.

In fact, it's hard to find many S&P/All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) companies that are seeing strong gains. That sub-sector index has seen double-digit declines in 2021 as expectations for a continued gold rally have subsided.

There has also been the supply-side factors with a number of miners ramping up capacity and production in anticipation of sustained higher prices.

The Newcrest share price has remained under pressure in 2021. However, the Aussie miner still remains one of Australia's largest listed companies with a market capitalisation in excess of $20 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Gold

Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Gold

2 ASX gold stocks to buy next week

These gold miners are rated as buys by analysts at Bell Potter.

Read more »

Machinery at a mine site.
Gold

Could this ASX-listed gold mine developer really increase six-fold?

One broker thinks there are big things ahead for this company.

Read more »

a man in a hard hat and high visibility vest smiles as he stands in the foreground of heavy mining equipment on a mine site.
Gold

This ASX gold company is up more than 4% on promising early exploration results

Good gold and copper results have this stock in focus.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Gold

Which cheap ASX 200 gold stock could rise over 50%?

Bell Potter has picked out this gold miner as one to buy now.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Gold

Are Northern Star shares a cheap buy?

Bell Potter has given its verdict on this beaten down gold stock.

Read more »

Gold bars with a share price chart in the background.
Gold

Why did the Iran war smash the gold price?

Investors were surprised when the gold price dropped 21% over the first three weeks of March.

Read more »

A woman holds a gold bar in one hand and puts her other hand to her forehead with an apprehensive and concerned expression on her face after watching the Ramelius share price fall today
Gold

March was the worst month for the gold price since June 2013. Now what?

After a horror month in March, can the gold price regain its shine?

Read more »

A woman in a business suit holds a large gold bar in both hands with a gold arrow tracking upwards.
Gold

Up 180% in a year, this ASX gold stock climbs again

Another solid quarter keeps the Alkane share price back in focus...

Read more »