New Hope share price rockets 6% as half-year profits double

New Hope said it has the ability to almost double current production levels over the next three years.

| More on:
A coal miner wearing a red hard hat holds a piece of coal up and gives the thumbs up sign in his other hand

Image source: Getty Images

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

  • The New Hope share price is up 6%
  • The ASX 200 coal miner reported its half-year results this morning
  • New Hope will pay a total fully franked interim dividend of 40 cents per share

The New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price is up 6.2% in late morning trade on Tuesday.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal stock closed yesterday trading for $4.90. Shares are currently trading for $5.21 apiece.

ASX 200 investors are bidding up New Hope shares following the release of the coal miner's half-year results this morning for the six months ending 31 January.

And some results they were.

What's spurring ASX 200 investor interest today?

The New Hope share price is rocketing after the miner reported a remarkable 103% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) compared to the prior corresponding half year. NPAT for the six months came in at $669 million.

The massive profit boost was driven by a 54% year on year surge in revenue, which came in at $1.58 billion.

Income investors may also be snapping up shares today after the company declared fully franked, interim dividends of 40 cents per share (inclusive of a 10 cps special dividend). At the current New Hope share price that works out to an instant yield of 7.7% from the interim dividend alone.

Well, not quite instant.

New Hope stock trades ex-dividend on 17 April. Investors holding shares at market close on that day can expect the outsized dividend payout to hit their bank accounts on 3 May.

What's next for the New Hope share price?

Looking ahead to what could impact the New Hope share price over the coming months, the miner said global thermal coal demand was outstripping supply, pointing to Southeast Asia as an expected growth market.

It noted that "All major coal suppliers face considerable constraints, placing increased value on already permitted, low cost operations." 

The company added that the New South Wales government has granted its Bengalla Exploration Licence, which "should provide further long-term growth opportunity".

What kind of growth?

New Hope said it has the "ability to almost double current production levels over the next three years through organic growth".

New Hope share price snapshot

Though still down in calendar year 2023, the New Hope share price remains up an impressive 76% over the past 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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

A woman looks unsure as she ladles mixture into a pan surrounded by small appliances
Energy Shares

Natural gas prices have fallen 22% in a month. Here's what is driving the drop

Natural gas prices have slid 22% in a month as weak demand and strong supply pressure markets.

Read more »

Two people jump in the air in a fighting stance, indicating a battle between rival ASX shares.
Energy Shares

AGL Energy versus Origin Energy shares: Which is a better buy for 2026?

Here’s my pick between the two ASX energy stocks.

Read more »

A woman throws her hands in the air in celebration as confetti floats down around her, standing in front of a deep yellow wall.
Energy Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX uranium stocks to buy now

The broker has given its verdict on these three stocks

Read more »

a man in a business suit looks at a map of the world above a line up of oil barrels with a red arrow heading upwards above them, indicting rising oil prices.
Energy Shares

After 5 days of straight gains, is oil setting up for its next move?

Oil prices pause after a 5-day rally as markets weigh geopolitical risks and global supply pressures.

Read more »

Smiling worker in an oil field.
Energy Shares

Woodside shares lift today. Is the worst behind this ASX energy giant?

Woodside shares are rising today after a tough year as investors watch oil prices and technical signals.

Read more »

a man in a business suit looks at a map of the world above a line up of oil barrels with a red arrow heading upwards above them, indicting rising oil prices.
Energy Shares

Three oil stocks to buy and one to sell

RBC Capital Markets says there are gains to be made in the energy sector.

Read more »

ASX uranium shares represented by yellow barrels of uranium
Energy Shares

Down 67% since June, why Goldman Sachs thinks Boss Energy shares are still overvalued

Goldman Sachs’ sell rating on Boss Energy shares will be welcomed by the cadre of short sellers betting against the…

Read more »

Hand holding out coal in front of a coal mine.
Energy Shares

Investors are buying this ASX coal stock again today. Here's why

Coronado shares jump as coal prices rebound, but the stock remains well below last year’s highs.

Read more »