Core Insights - Ramaco Resources, Inc. has appointed Michael Woloschuk as Executive Vice President for Critical Mineral Operations, bringing over 30 years of experience in the critical minerals industry [1][5][6] - Woloschuk previously served as Global Executive Director of Critical Minerals for Fluor Corporation and has been involved in the Brook Mine project [2][3] - The Brook Mine in Sheridan, Wyoming is positioned as a promising project for developing a domestic supply of critical minerals [6][7] Company Overview - Ramaco Resources, Inc. operates in the metallurgical coal sector and is emerging as a producer of rare earth elements and critical minerals [7] - The company has active mining complexes in Central Appalachia and the Brook Mine, where significant deposits of rare earth elements have been discovered [7] - Ramaco holds approximately 50 intellectual property patents and related agreements in connection with its operations [7] Leadership and Strategic Vision - Woloschuk's extensive background includes roles in mining companies, engineering firms, and private equity, providing a multi-disciplinary approach to project management [3][4] - The company views Woloschuk's appointment as a strategic boost and a sign of confidence in the Brook Mine's potential [5][6] - Woloschuk expressed excitement about contributing to Ramaco's strategic vision for the Brook Mine [6]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Coal industry is facing challenges due to a decline in coal usage in thermal power plants in the U.S., with demand expected to decrease further by 2025 due to the retirement of coal units and a shift towards renewable energy sources [1][2] - Current U.S. recoverable coal reserves are estimated at 252 billion short tons, with 58% being underground mineable coal, but the industry's prospects are hindered by increasing renewable energy adoption and natural gas competitiveness [2][4] Production and Export Trends - U.S. coal production is projected to be 490 million short tons in 2025, an increase from previous estimates, but is expected to decline by 4.5% year-over-year in 2025 and 4.7% in 2026 [5] - Coal exports are anticipated to drop to 93 million short tons in 2025, a 4.1% decrease from earlier projections, with thermal coal exports expected to fall from 49 million short tons in 2025 to 47 million short tons in 2026 due to tariffs imposed by China [3][10] Emission Policies and Market Position - The U.S. aims for 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, which is contributing to reduced coal usage in electricity generation [4] - The Zacks Coal industry currently ranks 239 out of 246 Zacks industries, placing it in the bottom 3%, reflecting a negative earnings outlook and a 47.2% decline in earnings estimates for 2025 since December 2024 [6][8] Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, the coal industry has lost 9%, outperforming the Zacks Oil and Gas sector's decline of 14.5%, but lagging behind the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which gained 6.9% [10] - The industry is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 4.7X, significantly lower than the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 15.86X, indicating a challenging valuation environment [13] Notable Companies - SunCoke Energy focuses on metallurgical coal production, essential for steel manufacturing, and has an annual coke-making capacity of 5.9 million tons, with a current dividend yield of 5.14% [17][18] - Ramaco Resources is positioned to benefit from improving metallurgical coal demand, with 3.5 million tons contracted for 2025 at a fixed price of $145 per ton, and plans to invest $60 to $70 million in capital expenditures for growth initiatives [22][23]

Core Insights - Ramaco Resources, Inc. has appointed former U.S. Senator Joseph Manchin III as an independent member of its Board of Directors effective April 18, 2025, bringing significant experience in energy policy and economic development [1][2]. Company Overview - Ramaco Resources, Inc. is a leading producer of high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and is also developing coal, rare earth, and critical minerals in Wyoming [5]. - The company operates four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and is in the initial stages of production at a coal mine and rare earth development site near Sheridan, Wyoming [5]. - In 2023, Ramaco announced the discovery of a major deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals at its Wyoming mine [5]. Strategic Importance of Appointment - Senator Manchin's extensive background in national defense and critical mineral supply chains is expected to provide valuable strategic advice as Ramaco advances its rare earth element development in Wyoming [3]. - His advocacy for metallurgical coal and the U.S. mining industry aligns with Ramaco's mission to secure America's energy and industrial future [4]. Leadership Perspective - Randall Atkins, Chairman and CEO of Ramaco, expressed that Senator Manchin's experience and insight will be invaluable as the company expands its role in developing domestically sourced minerals critical to national security [4]. - Senator Manchin highlighted the importance of coal in shaping communities and powering the nation, emphasizing his commitment to supporting Ramaco's initiatives in metallurgical coal production and critical mineral development [4].

Group 1: Executive Orders and Industry Support - The CEO of Ramaco Resources, Randall Atkins, will discuss President Trump's recent executive orders that support the U.S. coal industry, emphasizing its importance to national security [2] - The executive orders direct the Department of Energy to promote new technological uses of coal and consider classifying metallurgical coal as a critical mineral [2] - The National Coal Council has been re-established by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, which had its charter terminated under the previous administration [2] Group 2: Brook Mine Development - Ramaco Resources is developing the Brook Mine in Wyoming, which is the first new critical mineral and rare earth element mine in the U.S. in over 50 years [4] - The Brook Mine is recognized as the largest unconventional deposit of rare earth elements in the United States, containing critical minerals essential for technology and defense [4] - The mine has been highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, which estimates its potential value at $37 billion [5] Group 3: Company Overview - Ramaco Resources operates and develops high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and is also a developing producer of coal and critical minerals in Wyoming [6] - The company has four active metallurgical coal mining complexes in Central Appalachia and is in the initial stages of production for a coal mine and rare earth development near Sheridan, Wyoming [6] - In 2023, a significant deposit of primary magnetic rare earths and critical minerals was discovered at the Wyoming mine, alongside a carbon research and pilot facility [6]

Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $666.3 million for 2024, a decrease of approximately 4% compared to $693.5 million in 2023, despite an increase in coal sales volume from 3.5 million tons to 4.0 million tons [497]. - Net income for 2024 was $11.2 million, significantly lower than $82.3 million in 2023, influenced by decreased metallurgical coal price indices and prior year insurance proceeds [494]. - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $105.8 million, down from $182.1 million in 2023, reflecting the impact of lower coal prices despite increased sales volume [494]. - Total revenue for 2024 was $666.3 million, a decrease of 3.9% from $693.5 million in 2023 [615]. - Operating income decreased significantly to $16.6 million in 2024 from $95.2 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 82.5% [615]. - Net income for 2024 decreased to $11,192,000 from $82,313,000 in 2023, representing a decline of approximately 86.4% [622]. - Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by $48.4 million to $112.7 million in 2024 compared to $161.0 million in 2023 [522]. Sales and Production - The average revenue per ton sold decreased by 17% from $201 in 2023 to $167 in 2024, primarily due to volatility in index-based pricing for export sales [498]. - The company produced 3.7 million tons of coal in 2024, an increase from 3.2 million tons in 2023, with expectations for 2025 production volumes between 4.2 and 4.6 million tons [489]. - The company entered into forward sales contracts for approximately 1.5 million tons at an average fixed price of $152 per ton for North American customers [517]. - During 2024, sales to two customers accounted for 22% of total revenue, a decrease from 41% in 2023, indicating improved customer diversification [661]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - Total capital expenditures for 2024 were $68.8 million, down from $82.9 million in 2023, reflecting progress on strategic growth projects [488]. - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $55,236,000, compared to $82,904,000 in 2023, indicating a reduction of about 33.6% [622]. - The Company anticipates capital expenditures of approximately $60-70 million in 2025, including about $20 million for growth capital at the Elk Creek Complex and Berwind mine [551]. - The company continues to explore rare earth elements and critical minerals in Wyoming, with a $6.1 million matching grant received for developing a pilot processing facility expected to begin construction in mid to late 2025 [491]. Costs and Expenses - Cost of sales increased by approximately 8% to $533.3 million in 2024, with cost per ton sold decreasing from $143 in 2023 to $134 in 2024 [500]. - Non-GAAP cash cost per ton sold (FOB mine) improved to $105 in 2024 from $110 in 2023, a decrease of $5 [516]. - Cash paid for interest decreased to $4,756,000 in 2024 from $8,113,000 in 2023, a decline of about 41.5% [622]. - Total depreciation, depletion, and amortization for 2024 was $65.615 million, up from $54.252 million in 2023, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 20.5% [674]. Debt and Financing - Interest expense decreased to approximately $6.1 million in 2024 from $8.9 million in 2023, primarily due to debt repayment from previous acquisitions [507]. - The company completed a debt offering of $57.5 million in Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029, with an interest rate of 8.375% per annum [535]. - The Company had total liabilities for finance leases amounting to $13.7 million, with $6.2 million due in 2025 and $7.5 million due thereafter [540]. - The Company entered into an amended Revolving Credit Facility with a maturity date of May 3, 2029, providing an initial commitment of $200 million and an accordion feature for an additional $75 million [540]. Assets and Liabilities - Total current assets decreased to $167.6 million in 2024 from $189.7 million in 2023, a reduction of 11.6% [613]. - Total liabilities increased to $311.9 million in 2024, up from $296.2 million in 2023, marking a rise of 5.3% [613]. - The total stockholders' equity decreased to $362.8 million in 2024 from $369.6 million in 2023, a decline of 1.9% [613]. - The total liability for asset retirement obligations was $31.1 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting estimates of future reclamation costs [555]. Compliance and Internal Controls - The Company has identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting due to insufficient accounting resources [600]. - The Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024, based on the criteria established by COSO [598]. - The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility, including maintaining a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10:1.00 [544]. Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to focus on new product development and market expansion strategies in the upcoming fiscal year [615]. - The acquisition of Ramaco Coal is expected to reduce royalty expenses and support the company's expansion into advanced carbon products and materials from coal [536]. - The company has ongoing initiatives for the potential recovery of rare earth elements from coal and carbonaceous ore [624]. - The company is involved in collaborative arrangements with government researchers related to Wyoming initiatives [624].

LEXINGTON, Ky., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC, METCB) ("Ramaco Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received a $6.1 million matching grant authorized by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and issued by the Wyoming Energy Authority for Ramaco's Wyoming CORE (Carbon Ore Rare Earth) Brook Mine project. The funding will match Ramaco's significant future investment in constructing and equipping a rare earth and critical minerals pilot processing facility ...

Ramaco Resources TodayMETCRamaco Resources$8.86 -2.76 (-23.75%) 52-Week Range$8.17▼$19.20Dividend Yield6.21%P/E Ratio13.63Price Target$17.00Add to WatchlistThe prevailing narrative surrounding coal provides a bleak picture of a fuel source in terminal decline, overshadowed by cleaner, cheaper alternatives and facing mounting pressure from environmentalists and investors. Divestment from coal assets is widespread, and the industry's long-term trajectory appears definitively downward. However, multiple emerg ...

INVESTOR PRESENTATION Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results 1 DISCLAIMER Forward Looking Statements: The information in this presentation includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this presentation, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial pos ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of 2024 was the strongest quarter of the year for the company, with adjusted EBITDA of $29 million compared to $24 million in Q3, and net income of $4 million compared to breakeven in Q3 [35][41] - Cash margins remained at $33 per ton, down just $2 per ton since Q2, despite a $30 drop in met coal prices [8][34] - Year-end liquidity reached $138 million, up more than 50% year on year, marking the highest year-end liquidity in company history [41][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record tons sold were achieved in Q4, with a run rate of 4.5 million tons per annum, the highest level in company history [36] - Cash costs exited 2024 in the mid-nineties per ton range, the best among publicly traded peers [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metallurgical coal prices have been under pressure, with a significant drop in prices due to increased steel exports from China [10][62] - Domestic steel prices have shown signs of recovery, with hot-rolled coil prices increasing from less than $700 per ton in Q3 to $940 per ton [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase future production by adding approximately 2 million tons of low volatile coal, with expansions at the Maven complex and continued mining in other sections [19][20] - The rare earth and critical minerals project in Wyoming is advancing, with plans for full-scale mining to begin in July [21][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautiously optimistic about potential price increases in the second half of the year, despite current market challenges [31] - The company is maintaining a high level of liquidity to navigate market uncertainties and to capitalize on potential opportunities [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has received a $6 million matching fund grant recommendation from the Wyoming Energy Authority for the rare earth project [24] - The overall size of the rare earth resource is now estimated at 1.7 million tons, an increase from the previous estimate of 1.5 million tons [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insight on the seaborne volumes fixed at $111 per ton and the current netbacks for various qualities? - The $111 figure reflects index-linked prices for January and February, with high vol netbacks around $125 per ton and low vol slightly higher [80][81] Question: What is the capital intensity of your growth projects and what conditions would trigger moving forward? - The current guidance includes about $60 million to $70 million in capital expenditures, with growth capital split between Elk Creek and Berwind [84][90] Question: How do you see balancing growth, shareholder returns, and protecting the business during this downturn? - The company is looking for opportunistic acquisitions in a distressed market while maintaining a modest growth CapEx for 2025 [122][124]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of 2024 was the strongest quarter of the year for the company, with adjusted EBITDA of $29 million compared to $24 million in Q3, and net income of $4 million compared to breakeven in Q3 [25][30] - Cash margins remained at $33 per tonne, down just $2 per tonne since Q2, despite a nearly $30 drop in met coal prices between Q2 and Q4 [7][25] - Liquidity at year-end was approximately $140 million, marking a more than 50% increase year-on-year and the highest year-end liquidity in company history [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record tons sold were achieved, with a run rate of 4.5 million tons per annum, the highest level in company history [26][28] - The Maven plant construction was completed, reducing net trucking costs by over $20 per clean ton [33][85] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall steel demand remains weak, but there are signs of potential price increases in met coal due to supply cuts and increased domestic steel prices [9][14] - The U.S. met coal production is expected to drop by 16 million tons by the end of the year, representing a 20% decrease in supply [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase future production by adding approximately 2 million tons of low vol production once market conditions improve [15][16] - The rare earth and critical minerals project in Wyoming is progressing, with plans to begin full-scale mining in July [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for met coal prices to increase in the second half of the year, despite current market challenges [23][24] - The company is focused on maintaining liquidity to capitalize on opportunities during market distress [15][19] Other Important Information - The company has received a $6 million match fund grant recommendation from the Wyoming Energy Authority for the pilot plant [19][92] - The overall size of the rare earth resource is now estimated at 1.7 million tons, an increase from the previous estimate of 1.5 million tons [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on seaborne volumes and netbacks? - The company noted that current netbacks for high vol coal are around $125 per net ton, with low vol slightly higher [60][61] Question: What is the capital intensity of growth projects? - The company indicated that the total capital guidance is $60 million to $70 million, with about $20 million allocated for growth capital [64][66] Question: How do you see balancing growth and shareholder returns? - Management expressed a cautious approach to growth capital expenditures, waiting for clearer market signals before committing to new projects [90][91]