The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price is in focus today after the miner reported a strong start to FY27, with record managed run-of-mine (ROM) production of 11.0 million tonnes (Mt) in the September quarter — a 22% jump on the prior corresponding period — and unit coal costs at the low end of guidance.
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What did Whitehaven Coal report?
- Managed ROM coal production of 11.0 Mt, up 3% on the June quarter and 22% on last year
- Equity sales of produced coal at 6.0 Mt, down 5% due to temporary export terminal disruptions
- Average achieved price rose to A$226/tonne, up 2% quarter-on-quarter and 20% year-on-year
- Unit cost of coal at the low end of FY27 guidance: $132–$147/t
- Net debt of ~$1.4 billion at 30 September 2026
- Ongoing on-market share buy-back with $14 million worth of shares repurchased in Q1
What else do investors need to know?
Whitehaven's Queensland operations delivered 5.5Mt of managed ROM coal but faced shipping delays due to planned and unplanned outages at the RG Tanna terminal, pushing up port coal stocks. These disruptions are now resolved and the company expects sales to pick up in the December quarter.
In New South Wales, Narrabri posted strong production, with managed ROM up 10%, and the Gunnedah open cuts received approval to raise annual coal haulage limits. Closing coal stocks at group level rose by 37% due to sales slippages, but these inventories are expected to normalise soon.
What's next for Whitehaven Coal?
Looking ahead, Whitehaven has reaffirmed FY27 production guidance, targeting managed ROM output of 38.0–41.0Mt and equity coal sales of 23.9–26.0Mt. The business expects unit costs to remain within guidance, with port and sales volumes to recover as earlier shipping issues subside.
Development work is ongoing at the Vickery and Winchester South projects, though capital allocation decisions will reflect current market conditions and project competitiveness. With acquisition payments to BMA wrapping up in the next year, Whitehaven says it will have greater flexibility for future capital returns and project investment.
Whitehaven Coal share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Whitehaven Coal shares have risen 9%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.
