Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) Q2 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

And then that would get us into full longwall production there early in 2026. So, again, I just like to reiterate the major regulatory hurdle that we have to get through is the permission to reenter Zone B and we’re looking for that to come sometime in September of this year.

Nathan Martin: Great, Jim, appreciate that refresher there. And then maybe just shifting gears over to the domestic thermal side of the house. You did obviously update your guidance there. You talk a little bit about some of the conversations you’re having with utility customers. Do you guys believe at least at this point that that guidance fully incorporates potential domestic thermal deferrals or are you still having ongoing conversations and negotiations?

Jim Grech: Nate, we believe that fully encompasses all of the potential deferrals in the guidance that we’ve shown there.

Nathan Martin: Hey got it Jim. And then actually what have you as well, in the past you’ve been helpful kind of given us an idea of where you guys are committed for 2024 in PRB and other thermal any updates you can give us there, maybe what percentage of tons are committed there and also what base would be great as well?

Jim Grech: Yes, it’s about 70% committed at midpoint and guidance, I’d say there hasn’t been a specific change over the quarter. That was specifically done on purpose given the fact that it’s been a pretty slow market, declining price market. So we’ll look to see more coming through here in the next quarter as the market picks up. So again 70% on the Illinois Basin and probably about 85% in the PRB for next year.

Nathan Martin: Perfect. Appreciate that up to their mark. And then maybe just one kind of bigger question — bigger picture question for you Jim to wrap up. There’s some M&A opportunities out there a few met coal assets in Australia up for sale. I know you’d like we can’t make specific comments regarding Peabody and M&A. But if you kind of remind us how you guys think about and rank your potential purchases of maybe seaborne net assets or thermal assets and how would you kind of compare those two maybe the progress you’re making on reopening North Goonyella? Thanks.

Jim Grech: Nate, what I would say is in orders of prioritization organic growth investing in our own assets, extending leases, investing in equipment to bring down costs, increase efficiencies, those always have the best returns for our shareholders, and those always our number one emphasis or number one priority, and that’s what’s exhibited by North Goonyella. Then secondly, if we do get into M&A not saying we are — we aren’t — we’ve stated many times, and it hasn’t changed, that our focus is on the seaborne markets, we see the seaborne markets as growth markets in demand in both metallurgical and thermal. And we have more — much more of a focus on the metallurgical seaboard markets, but we certainly would look at both markets for potential growth in the future.

Nathan Martin: Great. Very helpful. I appreciate the time, guys. Best of luck in the second half.

Karla Kimrey: Thanks so much.

Jim Grech: Thank you, Nate.

Karla Kimrey: Next question.

Operator: Our next question will come from Lucas Pipes with B Riley. Please go ahead on your follow up.

Lucas Pipes: Thank you very much for taking my follow up question. It’s a quick one. In terms of hedges on the thermal coal side, I may have missed it. But I didn’t see a disclosure in the press release this morning. And so I wondered if you could remind us what’s outstanding there. And I know there was cash collateral requirement in the past as those hedges roll-off. Could there be cash coming back here in the third quarter from that side would appreciate just discussion and I think we’re close to the end. So it would be good to just make sure I have everything in my model as that program concludes? Thank you.