Could ASX coal shares be set for a boost?

The sector continues to catch a bid today.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • ASX coal companies continue to strengthen in FY23
  • The sector has caught a bid as the outlook for coal pricing remains strong, plus a potential shift in policy from China 
  • The culmination of these factors points to further upside 

ASX coal shares have dominated this year and a recent set of external catalysts could push the sector even higher.

Names such as Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) and Yancoal Ltd (ASX: YAL) are well positioned to benefit from any further upside.

Meanwhile, the price of coal trades 4% higher on the month at US$410 per tonne, within reach of its all-time highs.

a man with a hard hat and high visibility vest stands with a clipboard and pen in front of a large pile of rock at a mining site.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX coal shares to flame higher?

With the price of coal continuing along its upward trajectory, the question turns to what's next for ASX coal shares.

Whitehaven reported solid fourth quarter production, growing production by 17% thanks to increased output at its Narrabri mine.

It also expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of around $3 billion in FY22, well up from last year's result.

Fellow coal player New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) also signalled a bright outlook for coal sales earlier in FY22.

It reported that it had "received more requests for metallurgical coal from existing and new European customers ahead of a European Union ban on Russian coal imports in August," according to reporting from Reuters.

Coal shares were also helped by recent news that China may be willing to reverse its stance on Australian coal imports when procuring metallurgical coal exports.

This, combined with the surge in coal prices underscores a positive outlook for ASX coal shares.

Consequently, the sector continues to catch a bid today, propping up other names within the wider resources segment.

The 3 ASX coal players, Whitehaven, Yancoal and New Hope, are up 173%, 174% and 125% in the past 12 months respectively.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Down 12% in a week, has the Woodside share price got further to fall?

What’s going on with Woodside?

Read more »

A woman wearing a hard hat holds two sparking wires together as energy surges between them. representing the rising Li-S Energy share price today
Broker Notes

Down 15% in 2023, why AGL shares could continue to disappoint

Don't bet on AGL performing any better in the second half.

Read more »

Miner on his tablet next to a mine site.
Energy Shares

Will the Pilbara Minerals share price crash in 2023?

Could 2023 be another year where the share price of Pilbara Minerals powers down?

Read more »

A female coal miner wearing a white hardhat and orange high-vis vest holds a lump of coal and smiles as the Whitehaven Coal share price rises today
Energy Shares

The whopper Whitehaven dividend is being paid today. Here's what you need to know

Whitehaven investors are about to get their largest interim dividend ever.

Read more »

sad party goer sitting alone after celebration
Energy Shares

Is the party well and truly over for ASX 200 coal shares?

Can these coal miners dig themselves out of this hole?

Read more »

Close up of a miner wearing a hard hat with a solemn look on his face, with an oil drill in the background.
Energy Shares

Is the Santos share price being stifled by 'reckless' growth?

Santos has a number of new, multi-billion-dollar oil and gas projects in the pipeline.

Read more »

A miner stands in front oh an excavator at a mine site
Resources Shares

Uranium and gold: What are the best ASX shares to buy for these minerals?

Here are 4 best stocks to consider if you want to cash in on the big themes of 2023.

Read more »

oil and gas worker checks phone on site in front of oil and gas equipment
Energy Shares

Why is the Woodside share price wilting 7% on Wednesday?

Is something going on with Woodside shares today?

Read more »