Peabody Maintained at Neutral - Analyst Blog
March 28 2013 - 12:20PM
Zacks
On Mar 26, 2013 we have maintained our Neutral recommendation on
premier coal company Peabody Energy Corporation
(BTU). Peabody currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Why the Reiteration
Peabody reported mixed results in the final quarter of 2012, with
its top line beating our estimate and the bottom line missing it.
The top line was boosted by higher shipments from Australian mines,
while the bottom line was affected by higher operating costs.
The latest report of the Energy Information Administration (“EIA”)
suggests that the coal industry is poised for a recovery in
2013-14, driven by rise in demand and expected increase in the
price of natural gas.
Total U.S. coal consumption will increase to 941 million short tons
(MMst) in 2013 and 955 MMst in 2014 from 889 MMst in 2012. The
gradual improvement in demand for coal in the U.S. will help
Peabody given its presence in the coal industry. In addition the
increase in demand from Asian countries will have a positive impact
on shipments.
The coal industry on the whole suffered in 2012 due to weak demand
and the switch to natural gas for electricity generation. Our
estimates for the first and second quarter of 2013 also show a
downtrend, with an estimated decline of 120.8% and 93.3% year over
year, respectively .
Besides, Peabody generates a large chunk of its revenues from a
limited group of customers. Peabody has long-term contracts with
these customers with some scheduled to expire this year. If the
company fails to renew contracts on favorable terms it would surely
impact profitability.
The coal industry is set for a gradual recovery and the companies
which warrant a look are Alliance Resource Partners
LP (ARLP), CONSOL Energy (CNX) and
Natural Resource Partners LP (NRP).
ALLIANCE RES (ARLP): Free Stock Analysis Report
PEABODY ENERGY (BTU): Free Stock Analysis Report
CONSOL ENERGY (CNX): Free Stock Analysis Report
NATURAL RSRC LP (NRP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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