Warrior Met Coal (HCC) Q3 2025 Earnings Transcript

Core Insights - Warrior Met Coal, Inc. demonstrated strong financial performance in Q3 2025, showcasing operational excellence and strategic investments, particularly with the early startup of Blue Creek longwall operations [1][5][11] - The company raised its production guidance for 2025 by approximately 10% due to the increased output from Blue Creek, now expected to produce 1,800,000 short tons of High Vol A steelmaking coal, an 80% increase over initial guidance [5][11][39] - Despite weak steelmaking coal market conditions, the company achieved record quarterly sales volume of 2,400,000 short tons, a 27% increase compared to the same quarter last year [18][28] Financial Performance - Warrior Met Coal reported net income of $37 million or $0.70 per diluted share in Q3 2025, down from $42 million or $0.80 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [28] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $71 million, a decrease from $78 million in the same quarter last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% [28][25] - Total revenues were $329 million, slightly up from $328 million in the same quarter last year, driven by a 27% increase in sales volume [30] Operational Highlights - The Blue Creek mine is designed for over 6,000,000 short tons of annual production and aims to be the lowest cost mine globally [9] - Capital expenditures for the Blue Creek project totaled $171 million year-to-date, with $64 million spent in Q3 2025, keeping the project on budget [9][37] - The company successfully won a federal coal lease sale for 58,000,000 short tons of high-quality steelmaking coal reserves, which will enhance its reserve base and extend the life of its operations [12][6] Market Conditions - The steelmaking coal market faced challenges from increased Chinese steel exports and subdued global demand, with a 10% rise in Chinese steel exports compared to the previous year [14][15] - The average price for the PLB FOB Australia index remained stable at $166 per short ton, while the PLB CFR China index averaged $162 per short ton, showing recovery from earlier lows [21][22] - The company expects continued pressure on steelmaking coal prices due to oversupply and trade tensions, but anticipates potential long-term recovery in demand from Europe [16][40] Strategic Outlook - The company is focused on ramping up longwall production and optimizing infrastructure performance at Blue Creek, with completion expected by the end of Q1 2026 [10] - Warrior Met Coal aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, with plans for potential dividends and stock buybacks as free cash flow increases [44] - The successful early startup of Blue Creek and strategic reserve acquisition are expected to significantly enhance the company's long-term growth strategy [42]