Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, consolidated revenue was $94.8 million, down from $104.8 million in Q3 and $119.2 million in the prior year period [28] - The net loss for Q4 was $215.8 million, compared to net income of $1.6 million in Q3 and a net loss of $10.2 million in the prior year period, primarily due to a non-cash impairment charge of $215 million related to the Sunrise Coal subsidiary [28][29] - Operating cash flow increased to $38.9 million in Q4, compared to cash used of $12.9 million in Q3 and $20.1 million in the prior year period [29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $6.2 million, down from $9.6 million in Q3 but up from $2.1 million in the prior year period [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric sales in Q4 were $69.7 million, down from $71.7 million in Q3 and up from $37.1 million in the prior year period, while coal sales were $23.4 million, down from $31.7 million in Q3 and $91.7 million in the prior year period [27] - Hallador Power generated 1.16 million megawatt hours in Q4, up 5% from 1.1 million megawatt hours in Q3 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The forward energy and capacity sales position increased to $685.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $616.9 million at the end of Q3 [31] - Total liquidity at December 31, 2024, was $37.8 million, up from $34.9 million at September 30, 2024 [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a coal producer to a vertically-integrated power producer, aligning with market trends favoring the IPP model [7][8] - A significant milestone was reached with a non-binding term sheet signed with a global data center developer, indicating a strategic partnership that could drive long-term value [8][9] - The company is actively evaluating additional strategic transactions to expand electric operations and enhance scale [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the transition from dispatchable to non-dispatchable generation increases the value of Hallador Power due to its reliability [10] - There are expectations for favorable pricing trends in 2025 and beyond, particularly related to data center development in Indiana [12][15] - The company anticipates that energy price volatility could increase over the next decade, sustaining a premium in forward power prices [16][17] Other Important Information - The company invested $13.8 million in capital expenditures during Q4, with total CapEx for 2024 at $53.4 million [31] - The company reduced total bank debt to $44 million in Q4, down from $70 million at the end of Q3 [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regulatory and review process with the grid operator - Management highlighted multiple access requests from developers, indicating a favorable environment for potential sales [36][37] Question: Remaining items before reaching a definitive agreement - Management indicated that they are encouraged by the progress made and the financial commitments from counterparties [41][42] Question: Capital intensity of upgrades at Merom - Management confirmed that studies are underway to assess the feasibility of coal firing with natural gas by 2032 [44][45] Question: Acquisition of other power assets - Management stated that they are exploring opportunities across various states and evaluating them on a case-by-case basis [49][50] Question: Pricing expectations for deals - Management expects a premium to the forward curves due to increasing demand from data centers and hyperscalers [68] Question: Control over fuel supply for future assets - Management noted that while control over fuel supply is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement for future acquisitions [63][64]

Financial Performance - Q4 2024 total revenue reached $94.2 million, with FY'24 total revenue at $404.4 million[1] - Total sales and operating revenues decreased to $404.394 million in 2024 from $634.878 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 36%[18] - Net loss for 2024 was $226.138 million, compared to a net income of $44.793 million in 2023, representing a significant turnaround in performance[18] Cash Flow and Assets - Q4 2024 operating cash flow increased to $32.5 million, while FY'24 operating cash flow totaled $65.9 million[1] - Cash and cash equivalents rose to $7.232 million in 2024 from $2.842 million in 2023, an increase of over 154%[22] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $65.934 million in 2024, compared to $59.414 million in 2023, indicating improved cash flow from operations[20] Sales Breakdown - Electric sales in Q4 2024 were $69.7 million, accounting for 74% of total revenue, compared to $37.1 million or 31% in the same period last year[4][5] - Coal sales in Q4 2024 were $23.4 million, representing 25% of total revenue, down from $81.3 million or 68% in the prior year[5] Debt and Liabilities - Total bank debt decreased by over 50% to $44 million at year-end 2024, down from $91.5 million at the end of 2023[11] - Total liabilities decreased to $264.835 million in 2024 from $321.192 million in 2023, a reduction of approximately 17.5%[16] Capital Expenditures and Impairments - Capital expenditures were reduced to $53.367 million in 2024 from $75.352 million in 2023, a decrease of approximately 29%[22] - The company reported a significant asset impairment charge of $215.136 million in 2024, compared to no such charge in 2023[18] Equity and Shares - The weighted average shares outstanding increased to 39.504 million in 2024 from 33.133 million in 2023, reflecting a dilution in share value[18] - The company’s total stockholders' equity decreased to $104.285 million in 2024 from $268.588 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 61%[16] Strategic Initiatives - Hallador has secured total forward energy, capacity, and coal sales to third-party customers of $1.1 billion through 2029, up from $937.2 million at the end of Q3 2024[11] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities to acquire additional dispatchable generators to enhance its electric operations[2] - Hallador signed an exclusive commitment agreement with a leading global data center developer, marking a significant milestone in its transformation strategy[11] Production Adjustments - The company reduced coal production volume by approximately 40% in 2024, leading to a non-cash write-down of approximately $215 million for Sunrise Coal[3] EBITDA Performance - Q4 2024 adjusted EBITDA surged approximately 3x year-over-year to $6.2 million, with FY'24 adjusted EBITDA at $16.8 million[1]

Regulatory Environment - The regulatory burden on fossil fuel industries has increased operational costs, adversely affecting profitability [21]. - Compliance with environmental laws and regulations has significantly raised the costs of electric power generation and coal mining for domestic producers [22]. - The Black Lung Benefits Act imposes an excise tax of up to $1.10 per ton for underground-mined coal, which could impact overall expenses [43]. - The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act imposes extensive safety and health standards, significantly affecting operating costs [30]. - The permitting process for electric power generation and mining operations can extend over several years, potentially delaying operations [25][28]. - The company has not had any electric power generating or mining permits suspended or revoked due to violations, and penalties assessed have not been material [26][29]. - Future operating results may be adversely affected if accruals for asset retirement obligations and mine closing costs are insufficient [23]. - The company is subject to increased civil penalties for regulatory violations following the passage of the MINER Act [32]. - The implementation of new regulations regarding respirable coal mine dust exposure has increased operational costs due to the need for new equipment and personnel [34]. - The company has made adequate provisions for expected reclamation and other costs associated with mine closures, but future results could be impacted if these provisions are insufficient [23]. - The Abandoned Mine Lands Program imposes a reclamation fee of $0.224 per ton for surface-mined coal and $0.096 per ton for underground-mined coal, reauthorized through September 30, 2034 [51]. - The company has accrued estimated costs for reclamation and mine closing, including treatment of mine water discharge when necessary [51]. - Compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires installation of emissions control equipment, which increases operational costs for coal-fired power plants [55]. - The EPA's Acid Rain Program regulates sulfur dioxide emissions, requiring affected facilities to purchase or trade emissions allowances [56]. - The Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS) rule has led to capital investments for retrofitting power plants, potentially reducing coal demand [58]. - The EPA's new source review program may require existing coal-fired power plants to install stricter emissions control equipment, affecting coal demand [59]. - The company is subject to regulations that may impose additional emissions control expenditures due to revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) [58]. - The company is in compliance with reclamation regulations but cannot assure that claims related to ownership or control of third-party violations will not arise in the future [52]. - Surety bond costs have increased, and the company may face challenges in securing new bonds without posting collateral, impacting coal production and profitability [54]. - The company continues to evaluate the potential impacts of regulatory changes on its business and financial condition [58]. - The EPA's final rule requires coal-fired power plants operating after 2039 to achieve emissions reductions equivalent to 90% capture of CO2 through carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) [63]. - The Biden Administration aims for a 50-52% reduction in economy-wide net GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, but the new Trump Administration has indicated intentions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, potentially altering these targets [64]. - The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has established a cap and trade program for carbon dioxide emissions, with auctions for allowances starting in September 2008, impacting fossil fuel demand [68]. - The EPA's final rule in May 2024 established more stringent requirements for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and combustion residual leachate, which may affect coal product markets and electric power operations [77]. - The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA limited federal jurisdiction over wetlands, potentially reducing regulatory burdens but leaving future permitting requirements uncertain [72]. - Environmental advocacy groups are challenging federal agency environmental analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), claiming inadequate consideration of climate change impacts [67]. - The Clean Water Act (CWA) imposes permitting requirements for discharges, and any changes to TMDL allocations could increase water treatment costs, adversely affecting coal production [76]. - The EPA has statutory veto power over Section 404 permits, which could create uncertainty regarding current permits and impose additional costs on future operations [74]. - Future regulations on GHG emissions could lead to increased costs for fossil fuel production, potentially reducing demand for coal and adversely affecting the company's operations [70]. - The EPA finalized regulations under RCRA for the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) on April 17, 2015, classifying CCR as "non-hazardous" waste, which avoids stricter regulations [85]. - The revised CCR rule mandates closure of unlined impoundments with deadlines between 2021 and 2028, potentially increasing operating costs for customers and affecting coal demand [85]. Workforce and Operations - As of December 31, 2024, Hallador employed 615 full-time employees, with 582 directly involved in coal mining or washing processes [99]. - Hallador's coal workforce is entirely union-free, while the operator at its power plant employs represented workers, which could lead to operational disruptions [99]. - Hallador has invested in employee health and safety, exceeding mandated guidelines, and has a private mine rescue team ready for emergencies [100]. - The company provides comprehensive health insurance with low-cost deductibles and co-pays, along with a private health and wellness clinic for employees [101]. - The Illinois Basin (ILB) coal mining operations cover over 50,000 square miles and are strategically located near major coal-consuming regions [93]. - The U.S. coal industry is highly competitive, with Hallador competing against large producers like Peabody Energy Corporation and Alliance Resource Partners [97]. Market and Strategic Outlook - Recent regulatory developments under the new Trump Administration may impact the market for coal products and electric power operations, creating uncertainty [103]. - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act present potential opportunities for Hallador, aligning with its future strategy [90].

Core Insights - Hallador Energy Company reported a total revenue of $94.2 million for Q4 2024 and $404.4 million for FY 2024, with a significant increase in operating cash flow to $32.5 million in Q4 2024 and $65.9 million for the full year [1][2][3] - The company is transitioning from a bituminous coal producer to a vertically integrated independent power producer (IPP), aligning with market trends and focusing on electric sales [2][3] - A strategic partnership with a leading global data center developer is in progress, which could enhance margins for power production over the next decade [2][10] Financial Performance - Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA increased approximately threefold year-over-year to $6.2 million, with FY 2024 Adjusted EBITDA totaling $16.8 million [1][3] - The company reduced coal production volume by about 40% during 2024, leading to a non-cash write-down of approximately $215 million in the carrying value of its Sunrise Coal subsidiary [3][10] - Total bank debt decreased by over 50% to $44 million at year-end 2024, reflecting improved financial health [2][10] Revenue Composition - Electric sales accounted for $69.7 million or 74% of total Q4 revenue, a significant increase from $37.1 million or 31% in the same period last year [10] - Coal sales dropped to $23.4 million or 25% of total revenue in Q4 2024, down from $81.3 million or 68% in the prior year [10] - The company has secured total forward energy, capacity, and coal sales to third-party customers amounting to $1.1 billion through 2029, up from $937.2 million at the end of Q3 2024 [10] Strategic Focus - Hallador is prioritizing the optimization of its Merom Power Plant and seeking opportunities to acquire additional dispatchable generators to enhance its electric operations [2][3] - The company is actively managing forward power sales for 2025 and 2026 to improve financial flexibility [2][3] - The ongoing industry shift towards non-dispatchable resources like wind and solar has increased the value of Hallador's power subsidiary, while reducing demand for coal has prompted a strategic pivot [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - Hallador Energy Company (HNRG) is an independent power producer operating a 1GW coal plant in Indiana and has a coal mining business that is currently being de-emphasized [1] Group 1 - HNRG operates the Merom plant located in the MISO region of Sullivan County, Indiana [1] - The company has a significant focus on its coal plant operations while reducing emphasis on its coal mining business [1]

Core Viewpoint - Hallador Energy Company will host a conference call on March 17, 2025, to discuss its financial results for Q4 and the full year ended December 31, 2024 [1][2] Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call is scheduled for March 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time [2] - Interested parties can submit questions via email to the investor relations team prior to the call [2] - The call will be broadcast live and available for replay on the company's investor relations website [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Hallador Energy Company is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer based in Terre Haute, Indiana [3] - The company operates two core businesses: Hallador Power Company, which produces electricity at the one-Gigawatt Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, which supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies [3]

Core Viewpoint - Hallador Energy Company will host a conference call on March 17, 2025, to discuss its financial results for Q4 and the full year ended December 31, 2024 [1][2] Company Overview - Hallador Energy Company is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in Terre Haute, Indiana [3] - The company operates two main businesses: Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity at its one-Gigawatt (GW) Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies [3]

Core Points - Hallador Energy Company announced a Conversion Transaction Commitment Agreement with a global data center developer, effective January 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration [1][2] - The Agreement grants exclusivity in negotiations for 105 Business Days and includes cumulative payments of up to $5 million to Hallador Power Company, LLC, with specific payment schedules outlined [2][3] - The proposed transaction aims to secure energy and capacity for a potential data center development in Indiana, with expectations to contract the majority of the Company's energy at prices above the forward curve for over a decade [2][3] Company Overview - Hallador Energy Company is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer based in Terre Haute, Indiana, operating Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity at the Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which supplies fuel [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2024, consolidated revenue was $105 million, up from $93.5 million in Q2 and down from $165.8 million in the prior year period [18] - Net income for the quarter was $1.6 million, compared to a net loss of $10.2 million in Q2 and net income of $16.1 million in the prior year period [18] - Adjusted EBITDA was $9.6 million for Q3, compared to a negative $5.8 million in Q2 and $35.9 million in the prior year period [19] - Operating cash used was $12.9 million, down from operating cash flow of $23.5 million in Q2 and $35.3 million in the prior year period [18] - Total liquidity at September 30, 2024, was $34.9 million, increasing to $53.8 million by the end of October [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hallador Power generated 1.1 million megawatt hours in Q3, up from 800,000 megawatt hours in Q2 [12] - Electric sales for the quarter were $71.7 million, compared to $59.4 million in Q2 and $67.4 million in the prior year period [17] - Coal sales were $48.3 million for the quarter, compared to $45.7 million in Q2 and $134.4 million in the prior year period, reflecting a strategic reduction in coal production [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The supply response from the accredited capacity market remains restricted, with MISO reducing capacity accreditation for intermittent resources like wind and solar [9] - The company holds a considerable portion of the remaining unsold accredited capacity in MISO Zone 6, where demand continues to grow [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company signed a non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer, aiming to secure long-term contracts for a substantial portion of its plant's energy and capacity [6][7] - The restructuring of the Sunrise Coal division is ongoing, with improvements aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs [14] - The company is optimistic about the surge in demand from data centers and industrial users, viewing it as a meaningful opportunity for long-term financial transformation [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about finalizing long-term agreements with data center partners, citing Indiana's favorable business climate [8] - The company believes that the credit capacity it holds will remain valuable due to regulatory challenges faced by other energy sources [10][11] - Management noted that the energy environment remains challenging but is encouraged by improvements in pricing and dispatch rates [12] Other Important Information - The company executed a $60 million prepaid power purchase agreement (PPA) after the quarter, following a $45 million PPA signed in Q2 [13] - Total forward energy and capacity sales position was $616.9 million, down from $664.1 million at the end of Q2 but up from $516 million as of September 30, 2023 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify the magnitude of the non-binding term sheet agreement? - Management indicated it would cover the majority of the plant's output, significant but did not provide specific percentages [23][25] Question: What is the pricing structure for the agreement? - Management stated that pricing would be above the curve, but specifics were complex due to various factors involved [24][25] Question: What is the magnitude and coverage of the recent PPA? - The $60 million PPA covers power sold in 2025 and 2026 [29] Question: What were the coal production costs per ton during the quarter? - Management noted that costs were elevated but expected improvements in tons per man hour and cost structure [30][31] Question: What is the outlook for coal production and sales? - Management indicated a significant reduction in coal volumes, focusing on the power side of the business while still selling coal to third parties [32][33]

Financial Performance - Hallador Energy reported a net income of $1.6 million for Q3 2024, with Electric Operations generating $71.9 million in operating revenues, equating to $60.78 per MWh sold, a 41.0% increase in total MWh sold compared to Q2 2024[107]. - The company generated 1,074,000 MWh in Q3 2024, up from 780,000 MWh in Q2 2024, with operating costs improving to $44.42 per MWh from $62.98 per MWh[96]. - Revenues from electric operations increased by $4.4 million, or 6.5%, compared to Q3 2023, driven by new delivered energy and capacity contracts[120]. - Income from operations increased by $22.0 million, or 823.3%, with an increase of $18.39 per MWh sold compared to Q3 2023[122]. - Cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $27.0 million, down from $79.5 million in the same period of 2023[114]. Coal Operations - Coal Operations shipped 0.9 million tons of coal in Q3 2024, with operating revenues of $49.3 million, or $53.27 per ton, and operating expenses of $66.43 per ton, reflecting a $1.59 decrease from Q2 2024[109]. - Operating revenues for coal operations decreased to $49.3 million in Q3 2024 from $134.9 million in Q3 2023[127]. - Income from operations for coal operations was a loss of $12.2 million in Q3 2024 compared to a profit of $24.8 million in Q3 2023[127]. - Segment operating revenues from coal operations decreased by $85.6 million, or 63.4%, compared to Q3 2023[129]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, segment operating revenues from coal operations decreased by $180.6 million, or 52.6%[132]. Cost Management - The restructuring of Sunrise Coal has led to a decrease in operating costs to $66.43 per ton produced, down $1.59 from Q2 2024, following a workforce reduction of over 25%[97]. - Fuel costs decreased by $21.1 million, or 41.6%, compared to Q3 2023, primarily due to reduced electricity sales and lower coal market pricing[121]. - Other operating and maintenance costs increased by $9.3 million, or 56.0%, primarily due to a planned maintenance outage[126]. - Other operating and maintenance costs decreased by $32.7 million, or 54.7%, and labor costs decreased by $10.6 million, or 35.3%, from Q3 2023[130]. Future Outlook - Hallador Power aims to generate approximately 1,500,000 MWh quarterly, with 2,670,000 MWh generated in the first nine months of 2024, achieving 59.3% of its annual target[98]. - The company anticipates continued demand growth for power due to data centers, electric vehicles, and onshoring, particularly in MISO Zone 6, where it holds significant unsold accredited capacity[93]. - Contracted power revenue is projected to total $616.89 million from 2024 to 2029, with a peak of $163.79 million in 2026[113]. - Total contracted revenue is expected to reach $1,420.14 million over the same period, with $365.35 million anticipated in 2026[113]. Debt and Liquidity - The company executed a prepaid forward power sale of $60.0 million, with proceeds used to pay down $20.0 million on its Term Loan, reducing future quarterly payments[94]. - Bank debt was reduced by $21.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, leaving a total bank debt of $70.0 million[114]. - Total liquidity as of September 30, 2024, was reported at $34.9 million[115]. - The company has an additional borrowing capacity of $31.1 million as of September 30, 2024[115]. Asset Management - The company has recorded a present value of reclamation obligations of $17.1 million, with surety bonds totaling $30.8 million in place to cover these obligations[116]. - The Company is reviewing its Oaktown mining facilities and future mining plans, which may lead to potential impairment of certain mining assets[147]. - The carrying amount of the Company's mining assets is material to its condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024[147]. - Any future impairment of mining assets could be material, but the amount is currently not estimable[147]. Internal Controls - There have been no material changes to the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2024[151]. - The Company's disclosure controls and procedures have been evaluated and deemed effective by the CEO and CFO[150].