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

Smiling attractive caucasian supervisor in grey suit and with white helmet on head holding tablet while standing in a power plant.
Energy Shares

4 reasons to buy this surging ASX 300 energy share today

A leading fund manager forecasts outsized near-term gains from this ASX 300 energy share. Let’s see why.

Read more »

Two workers at an oil rig discuss operations.
Broker Notes

Should you buy Santos, Beach Energy or Woodside shares? Here's Macquarie's top pick

Macquarie has released its new share price expectations for Santos, Beach Energy and Woodside shares.

Read more »

A man in a suit looks sad as oil is spilled from a barrel.
Energy Shares

Is Beach Energy's 7.7% dividend yield a tempting passive income opportunity?

A 7.7% yield is enough to tempt anyone...

Read more »

Man leaps as he runs along the street.
Energy Shares

Guess which ASX uranium stock is jumping 9% on big news

This uranium producer is reporting major progress in Malawi.

Read more »

Coal-fired power station generic.
Energy Shares

Macquarie raises target price on APA Group shares following joint-venture announcement

Here's what the broker had to say.

Read more »

an oil refinery worker checks her laptop computer in front of a backdrop of oil refinery infrastructure. The woman has a serious look on her face.
Energy Shares

Do Woodside shares really have a 6.5% dividend yield right now?

Woodside is currently one of the highest yielders on the market...

Read more »

An oil miner with his thumbs up.
Energy Shares

This surging ASX energy stock is tipped to storm another 42% higher

Here's why the stock is set to surge.

Read more »

ASX uranium shares represented by yellow barrels of uranium
Energy Shares

Uranium company taps former Rio Tinto exec as new managing director

Deep Yellow has named a senior Rio Tinto executive as its new boss as it looks to progress its flagship…

Read more »