Will Higher Capex Slow Newmont's Free Cash Flow Momentum in 2H?

Core Insights - Newmont Corporation (NEM) achieved record free cash flows in Q2 2025, with total capital expenditures decreasing to $674 million [1][2] Financial Performance - Free cash flow surged nearly threefold year over year and increased by 42% from the prior quarter to $1.7 billion, driven by higher net cash from operating activities and lower capital investment [2][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEM's earnings in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year rise of 60.1% and 8.2%, respectively, with EPS estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [10] Capital Expenditure Trends - Newmont anticipates higher capital spending in Q3 2025, influenced by increased cash tax payments and ongoing construction of the Yanacocha water treatment facilities [3][4] - Sustaining capital spending is expected to ramp up in the second half of 2025, particularly for projects at Tanami, Cadia, Lihir, and Red Chris [4] Industry Comparison - Barrick Mining Corporation's total attributable capital expenditures rose 14% sequentially and 3% year over year in Q2, with expectations for 2025 expenditures between $3,100 million and $3,600 million [5] - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited forecasts capital expenditures to be between $1.75 billion and $1.95 billion for 2025, up from approximately $1.66 billion in 2024 [6] Stock Performance - NEM shares have increased by 151.4% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 123.5%, largely due to a rally in gold prices [7][8] - NEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 16.57, which is a 3.6% premium to the industry average of 16.17X [11]