Alpha Metallurgical Resources(AMR) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $28.5 million, down from $41.7 million in Q3 2025 [8] - Total tons shipped in Q4 2025 were 3.8 million, a slight decrease from 3.9 million tons in Q3 2025 [8] - Cash provided by operating activities was $19 million in Q4, down from $50.6 million in Q3 [11] - Total liquidity at the end of Q4 was $524.3 million, down from $568.5 million at the end of Q3 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metallurgical segment realizations increased to an average of $115.31 per ton in Q4, up from $114.94 in Q3 [8] - Realizations for metallurgical sales in Q4 were a total weighted average of $118.10 per ton, up from $117.62 in Q3 [9] - Incidental thermal portion realizations decreased to $77.80 per ton in Q4, down from $81.64 in Q3 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Australian Premium Low-Vol Index increased by 14.6% from $190.20 per metric ton on October 1 to $218 per metric ton on December 31 [17] - The U.S. East Coast low-vol index rose from $177 in October to $185 per metric ton by the end of December, an increase of 4.5% [18] - The U.S. East Coast High-Vol A index dropped slightly to $150.50 per metric ton at the end of the year [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and efficient operations amid persistent market weakness, particularly in high-vol coal [7] - Development at the Kingston Wildcat Low-Vol Mine is ongoing, with expectations to produce roughly 500,000 tons in 2026 as it ramps up to full capacity [15] - The company is exploring various opportunities for potential M&A, while also continuing share buybacks to enhance shareholder value [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the recent upward movement in coal markets is largely due to supply-related issues and may be temporary [4] - There is cautious optimism regarding global steel demand as a catalyst for improving metallurgical markets [5] - The management expressed concerns about the sustainability of recent price increases and the potential for market volatility [35] Other Important Information - The company has committed 37% of its metallurgical tonnage for 2026 at an average price of $134.02, with another 53% committed but not yet priced [12] - CapEx for Q4 was $29 million, up from $25.1 million in Q3 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify the mix of domestic versus seaborne-based tons? - Management indicated that approximately half of domestic volume is high-vol, while the other half is low and medium-vol [24] Question: What is the expected cost cadence over the year? - Management noted that Q1 typically sees elevated costs due to lower productivity, with costs normalizing in the second and third quarters [26] Question: What are the best uses for Alpha's cash at this stage? - Management emphasized maintaining liquidity for market volatility, share buybacks, and exploring M&A opportunities [35] Question: How do you see the broader market, particularly in Europe and South America? - Management expressed cautious optimism for recovery in Europe and South America, while noting ongoing challenges in Asia [29] Question: Any updates on U.S. supply and potential impacts? - Management mentioned that some smaller operations are going into care and maintenance, potentially reducing annual production by 1.5 to 2 million tons [48]