The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price is surging higher today.
Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal stock closed yesterday trading for $6.42. In morning trade on Friday, shares are swapping hands for $6.82 apiece, up 6.2%.
For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.36% at this same time.
This outperformance comes following the release of Whitehaven's September quarterly update.
Read on for the highlights.
Whitehaven share price lifts off on results
ASX investors are bidding up the Whitehaven share price after the miner reported 6.4 million tonnes of total equity sales of produced coal for the quarter. That's down down 2% on the June quarter, with the 13% increase in the miner's Queensland operations more than offset by 16% lower sales in New South Wales.
The improvement in Queensland sales to 3.6 million tonnes for the quarter was driven in part by improved rail performance on the Goonyella line transporting Daunia coal.
Whitehaven received an average coal price of AU$259 per tonne for its Queensland coal, up from 74% in the June quarter. The miner achieved an average coal price1 of AU$211 per tonne from its New South Wales operations.
Revenues for the quarter reflected 64% metallurgical coal sales and 36% thermal coal sales.
Managed run of mine (ROM) production came in at 9.7 million tonne, which is in line with the June quarter.
Whitehaven said its unit costs were tracking at bottom end of its guidance.
On the balance sheet, the ASX 200 miner had AU$1.2 billion of net debt at 30 September. It expects to receive US$1.08 billion of proceeds from the 30% sell down of Blackwater in Q3 FY 2025.
Management commentary
Whitehaven CEO Paul Flynn welcomed the results, saying:
I am pleased to report a solid start to FY25, with another strong quarter of production from our new Queensland operations, and our New South Wales operations delivering in line with plan.
As for the reported decline in sales from its New South Wales operations that could be dragging on the Whitehaven share price today, Flynn said:
In New South Wales, we are encouraged by Narrabri's improving performance. In the open cuts, overburden is the focus in the first half with ROM coal production weighted more towards the second half of FY 2025.
On the Queensland mines, he added, "In Queensland, we are seeing productivity gains and cost improvements. We remain focused on reshaping the business for long-term success."
Whitehaven maintained its FY 2025 production, sales and expenditure guidance.
How has the ASX 200 coal stock been tracking?
With today's intraday gains factored in, the Whitehaven share price is down 13% over 12 months.
The post Why is the Whitehaven share price leaping 6% higher on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Scott Phillips.
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