Higher Coal Prices Drive Growth

  • Peabody Energy’s second-quarter earnings increased
  • Net income of $199.4 million, or $1.42 a share
  • Higher coal prices contributed to the growth
  • Revenue fell 18% to $1.04 billion
  • Sales of seaborne thermal coal increased slightly
  • Seaborne metallurgical coal sales remained flat
  • Powder River Basin coal sales decreased to 15.8 million tons

Peabody Energy, a St. Louis-based coal miner, reported an increase in its second-quarter earnings due to higher coal prices despite a drop in volumes at its Wyoming mine. The company posted a net income of $199.4 million or $1.42 per share, up from $179.2 million or $1.15 per share in the same period last year. Excluding one-time items, it surpassed the average Wall Street target of 60 cents a share. Although revenue declined by 18% to $1.04 billion, it still managed to meet the analysts’ expectation of $1.01 billion. The company sold 4.1 million tons of seaborne thermal coal, up from the previous year, and maintained sales of two million tons of seaborne metallurgical coal. However, Powder River Basin coal sales dropped to 15.8 million tons from 18.9 million tons a year ago. Revenue per ton rose by 4.5% to $12.89.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Peabody Energy’s second-quarter earnings growth, net income, revenue, and coal sales figures. It also compares the results with Wall Street targets. However, it lacks context on the overall market situation or industry trends which could make the information more informative.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Peabody Energy’s financial performance and coal sales but lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences. It also does not offer actionable insights or new knowledge for the reader.
Public Companies: Peabody Energy (BTU)
Key People: Rob Curran (Author)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Coal mining industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Peabody Energy’s earnings growth and revenue, which are financial topics related to the coal mining industry, and mentions how it impacts the company’s performance. This can have an effect on the stock prices of the company and potentially other companies in the same sector.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

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