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Sell in September and Buy in December?

We don’t know about relying on this as an adage for the gold market (given that December quarterly performances for the US$ gold price saw gains of 7.6% and 3.0% for 2018 and 2019 respectively), but recent history reinforces the notion that the December quarter is traditionally a weak one for gold. Over the last 10 years December quarterly returns have averaged -2.8% and so far we are down -2.4% in the December 2020 quarter to date.

Unsurprisingly, this carries through to the equities which have displayed leveraged performance in both directions to the US$ gold price (a key sentiment driver, typically overshadowing A$ gold). On average, the ASX Gold Index has returned -6.2% over the same December quarters and delivered outperformance in the other quarters.

While this appears to be a negative influence in the market as 2020 draws to a close, we can see other dislocations in the market that are indicative of other contributing factors.

  • The silver price has outperformed gold in a falling market over the last quarter (Figure 10) and managed to hold onto more of its gains this year (up 34% ytd vs gold up 21% ytd, US$ terms). We have formed the view that silver is benefitting from the industrial demand outlook and, in particular, its exposure to investment in renewables via its use in solar cells.
  • The reflation trade also appears to be driving a degree of asset re-allocation to risk assets / cyclicals and overriding the influences of a weakening US dollar and lower real interest rates. These are typically two of the strongest negative correlations for the US$ gold price. Yet, over the last couple of months we have noticed an emerging disconnect that has seen both weaker US$ and lower real interest rates coincide with a dropping US$ gold price since mid-September.

With this in mind we see a couple of positive factors for the medium term. Firstly, we see potential for the gold price to play catch up against these two indicators in 2021. They are strong gold price drivers and dislocations are typically short-lived. Secondly, we see potential for inflation to be driven higher in 2021, yet for nominal yields to stay low. As such, we could see real interest rates drop further in 2021 and support a higher gold price. Furthermore, the reflation trade looks crowded and seemingly priced for perfection. Any falter of the post-COVID recovery could well see a return to gold as a safe haven.

Bell Potter Precious Metals Coverage

Regis Resources Ltd (RRL)
Market Cap: $$1,908m
Price: $3.73/sh
Target Price: $5.72/sh
Recommendation: Buy
RRL is one of our top picks among the ASX-listed gold producers due to its strong balance sheet, low costs, capital efficient growth and high shareholder returns. Furthermore, we view RRL’s 100%-owned organic growth options as a strategic advantage vs peers and the McPhillamys development project in NSW as undervalued by the market.
Gold Road Resources Ltd (GOR)
Market Cap: $1,074m
Price: $1.22/sh
Target Price: $1.85/sh
Recommendation: Buy
Gruyere’s ore production is at design levels and has transitioned to fresh rock as ongoing optimisations continuing. In-fill and extension drilling below the previous pit outline upgraded the total Gruyere Resource to 6.6Moz at a gold price of A$1,850/oz ahead of an updated Reserve in due course. The staged addition of a renewable energy hybrid microgrid aims to lift the ore processing rate from current nameplate of 8.2Mtpa and about 300koz (100% basis) to a target rate of 10Mtpa of ore by late 2021. GOR 100% owned regional exploration continues and the company is about to start paying franked dividends.
Westgold Resources Ltd (WGX)
Market Cap: $1,178m
Price: $2.78/sh
Target Price: $3.15/sh
Recommendation: Buy
Production from sub-level caving at Big Bell is ramping-up to the target rate of 1Mtpa by the end of 2020, marking the completion of WGX’s four year mine refurbishment program. WGX is now generating meaningful free cash flow from its focus on the three Murchison operations and has indicated it is about to commence paying franked dividends.
De Grey Mining Ltd (DEG)
Market Cap: $1,330m
Price: $1.04/sh
Target Price: $1.58/sh
Recommendation: Buy (Spec)
DEG is a gold exploration and development company, focussed on the Mallina Gold Project (MGP) in WA. Over the last four years, DEG has expanded the area of the MGP to 1,600km2 and grown the Resource base ~525%, from 346koz @ 1.6g/t Au to 2.2Moz @ 1.8g/t Au as at April 2020. In late 2019, a new style of intrusion-related gold mineralisation was recognised and a significant discovery made at the Hemi prospect. DEG materially ramped up its exploration efforts, with the objective of delivering significant Resource growth in 2021.
Chalice Mining Ltd (CHN)
Market Cap: $1,305m
Price: $3.89/sh
Target Price: $5.35/sh
Recommendation: Buy (Spec)
CHN continues drilling programs across its two main projects with six rigs at its 100% owned Julimar Project expanding and infilling the extensive and shallow, world class palladium-nickel-copper discovery at the Gonneville Prospect. Metallurgical testwork programs to build on initial positive results continue and a Maiden open pittable Mineral Resource for Gonneville is planned for mid-2021. Two rigs at CHN’s large Pyramid Hill Gold Project in Victoria are evaluating the Karri discovery. CHN is well funded with about $140m in cash and investments after having recently purchased key Gonneville farming properties.
Pantoro Limited (PNR)
Market Cap: $324m
Price: $0.23/sh
Target Price: $0.27/sh
Recommendation: Buy
Following a tough FY20 during which its Nicolsons mine underperformed, we continue to look for delivery vs guidance to drive a valuation uplift. The acquisition of a 50% managing interest in the Norseman Gold Project (NGP) and recent completion of a Feasibility Study outlines the production of ~108kozpa at AISC of $1,292/oz over 7 years is a key value driver.
Aeris Resources Ltd (AIS)
Market Cap: $175m
Price: $0.09/sh
Target Price: $0.11/sh
Recommendation: Buy
AIS had a transformational year in 2020, primarily due to the acquisition of the Cracow Gold Mine but also the strengthening of its balance sheet, a share register re-structure and exploration success at its Tritton copper mine. From a single-asset copper company it is now a multi-mine copper-gold producer offering strong earnings and cash flow growth into FY21.
Breaker Resources NL (BRB)
Market Cap: $62m
Price: $0.19/sh
Target Price: $0.65/sh
Recommendation: Buy (Spec)
BRB is continuing to advance its 100% owned Lake Roe Gold Project, located 100km east of Kalgoorlie, 60km south-southeast of the operating 3.5Moz Carosue Dam gold mine. In September 2019 an updated Resource of 23.2Mt @ 1.3g/t Au for 981koz contained gold was announced, including 803koz @ 1.4g/t Au in the Indicated category. Resource growth has been slower than expected and we await the key catalyst of a Resource update, which has been targeted for April 2021.
S2 Resources Ltd (S2R)
Market Cap: $43m
Price: $0.14/sh
Target Price: $0.40/sh
Recommendation: Buy (Spec)
S2R’s focus has moved back onto gold with several recent developments including agreement to earn a majority interest in the large prospective Jillewarra Project in the Murchison district of WA, where shallow high grade gold mineralisation has been defined by limited historic exploration. S2R plans to start drilling at Jillewarra early in 2021. The company recently received very positive assay results from its broad-spaced follow-up drilling at its Aarnivalkea Gold Prospect in Finland, where drilling had been restricted by winter logistical aspects but will resume in 2021.
Authored by
Important Disclaimer—This may affect your legal rights: Because this document has been prepared without consideration of any specific client’s financial situation, particular needs and investment objectives, a Bell Potter Securities Limited investment adviser (or the financial services licensee, or the proper authority of such licensee, who has provided you with this report by arrangement with Bell Potter Securities Limited) should be consulted before any investment decision is made. While this document is based on the information from sources which are considered reliable, Bell Potter Securities Limited, its directors, employees and consultants do not represent, warrant or guarantee, expressly or impliedly, that the information contained in this document is complete or accurate. Nor does Bell Potter Securities Limited accept any responsibility to inform you of any matter that subsequently comes to its notice, which may affect any of the information contained in this document. This document is a private communication to clients and is not intended for public circulation or for the use of any third party, without the prior approval of Bell Potter Securities Limited. In the USA and the UK this research is only for institutional investors. It is not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part to any persons in the two specified countries. This is general investment advice only and does not constitute advice to any person.
Disclosure of Interest: Bell Potter Securities Limited receives commission from dealing in securities and its authorised representatives, or introducers of business, may directly share in this commission. Bell Potter Securities and its associates may hold shares in the companies recommended.
Disclosures:
Horizon Resources (HRZ):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Lead Manager to Horizon Resources’ (HRZ) $2m Placement in March 2020 and as Joint Lead Manager for the two tranche $16.1m placement in August and September 2020 and received fees for that service.
DeGrey Mining (DEG):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Lead Manager to DeGrey Mining’s (DEG) $5m Placement in November 2019 and Joint Lead Manager to the $31.2m Placement in April 2020 and Co-Manager to the $100m Placement in September 2020 and received fees for that service.
Chalice Gold Mines (CHN):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Joint Lead Manager and Bookrunner to Chalice Gold Mines’ (CHN) $30m Placement in May 2020 and as Joint Lead Manager for the $100m Placement in December 2020 and received fees for that service.
Aeris Resources (AIS):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Joint Lead Manager and Underwriter to Aeris Resources’ (AIS) $40m Equity Raise of June 2020 and received fees for that service.
Manuka Resources (MKR):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Lead Manager to Manuka Resources’ (MKR) $7m Placement in December 2020 and received fees for that service.
S2 Resources (S2R):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Joint Lead Manager to S2 Resources’ (S2R) $7.8m Placement in July 2020 and received fees for that service.
Alto Metals (AME):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as as a Participant to Alto Metals’ (AME) $5.5m Placement in September 2020 and received fees for that service.
Pantoro Limited (PNR):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as a Participant to Pantoro Limited’s $55m Placement in August 2020 and received fees for that service.
Xanadu Mines (XAM):
Disclosure: Bell Potter Securities acted as Lead Manager to for Xanadu Mines’ (XAM) $1.1m Placement in May 2020 and received fees for that service.
David Coates holds long positions in shares in EVN, NST, OGC, RRL, SBM, RSG, PNR, RMS, WGX, AME, CHN, S2R, XAM and SLR.