Hallador Energy pany(HNRG) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]