Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long coal production was 32.2 million tonnes, and attributable sellable coal production was 18.9 million tonnes, tracking well against full year production guidance [4] - Cash operating costs were $93 per tonne, flat compared to the previous year, with an implied cash operating margin of $40 per tonne [5][11] - Revenue for the first half was $2.68 billion, with operating EBITDA of $595 million at a 23% margin, reflecting a 15% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year [5][30] - Profit after tax was $163 million, with a fully franked interim dividend of $82 million declared, representing a 50% payout ratio [6][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ROM coal and saleable coal production were 15% to 16% higher than the first half of the previous year, while attributable sales were effectively flat due to temporary disruptions [10] - Attributable saleable coal was up 11% compared to the previous year, indicating strong operational performance despite challenges [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Realized thermal coal price was $138 per tonne, down 12% from the previous year, while metallurgical coal price was $207 per tonne, down 35% [23][24] - The company observed cuts to supply from Indonesia (12%) and Colombia (24%), which could support a recovery in international thermal coal prices [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain low cash operating costs and optimize production volumes, product quality, and efficiency metrics to deliver the best outcomes for shareholders [36] - There is a focus on operational recovery and maintaining production guidance of 35 to 39 million tonnes for the full year [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that geopolitical events and weather disruptions impacted sales and logistics, but they are optimistic about recovering delayed shipments in the third quarter [20][30] - The company is confident in the demand for metallurgical coal, particularly from India and Southeast Asia, as these regions are expected to see growth [56] Other Important Information - The company retains a strong balance sheet with $1.8 billion in cash and no external debt, providing flexibility for future growth opportunities [6][34] - The capital expenditure guidance for 2025 is set at $750 million to $900 million, with ongoing investments required to ensure productivity [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the decline in profit from certain mines more drastic than others? - Management attributed this to the drop in API five prices, which affected margins, particularly from low CV coal [40][42] Question: Is the year-over-year increase in coal royalty per sellable tonne due to the royalty rate change? - The increase is due to both the royalty rate change and lower coal prices, resulting in a relatively flat royalty across periods [45][48] Question: How likely is it that inventory will be digested by year-end? - Management is on schedule to catch up on first-half underperformance and aims to reduce inventory by the end of August or early September [51][54] Question: What are the growth opportunities for coking coal outside of China? - Significant growth opportunities are seen in India and Southeast Asia, driven by infrastructure plans and GDP growth [56] Question: Are there plans for further expansion in coal production volume? - The company is focused on optimizing existing assets for productivity rather than significant expansions at this time [57][59] Question: What is the expected sales mix for 2025? - The sales mix is expected to remain relatively consistent, with minor variations due to production impacts from weather [80][82] Question: What is the interest rate on the cash balance held? - The company is currently receiving between 4% to 5% on its cash balance [85] Question: Will Yancoal consider acquisitions in China? - While open to growth opportunities, competing against the majority shareholder in China may not be practical [100] Question: How does the company assess potential M&A opportunities? - The company evaluates all opportunities in the best interest of shareholders, maintaining a strong balance sheet to support growth [90][92]
YANCOAL AUS(03668) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript