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Warrior Met Coal (HCC)
NYSE:HCC

Warrior Met Coal (HCC) AI Stock Analysis

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HCC

Warrior Met Coal

(NYSE:HCC)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$94.00
▲(2.07% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance: a strong balance sheet is offset by sharply weaker margins and declining free cash flow. Technicals add a neutral backdrop (longer-term uptrend but short-term weakness). Valuation is the largest drag due to the very high P/E, while the earnings call provides support from improved production guidance and strong operational execution despite ongoing coal pricing headwinds.
Positive Factors
Strong Balance Sheet
Very low leverage and a high equity ratio provide durable financial flexibility, allowing the company to fund capital projects, absorb coal price cycles, and meet lease payment commitments without relying heavily on external debt, supporting long-term operational resilience.
Project Execution & Production Upside
Early commissioning of Blue Creek and a raised production guide indicate strong project execution and lower ramp risk. Sustained higher volumes improve fixed-cost absorption, enhancing long-term EBITDA capacity and supporting durable cash generation if market pricing stabilizes.
Expanded Reserve Base via Federal Leases
Securing long-term federal leases and approved mining plans materially expands recoverable reserves and mine life. This structural access to high-quality coal underpins sustained production potential and justifies ongoing infrastructure and capital investment over multiple decades.
Negative Factors
Profit Margin Collapse
A severe deterioration in gross and net margins signals weakening pricing power and/or rising costs. Persistently compressed margins reduce cash available for reinvestment and returns to shareholders, and make the business more vulnerable to cyclical revenue shocks over the medium term.
Weak Free Cash Flow Generation
Declining free cash flow and operating cash shortfalls versus reported earnings constrain the company's ability to self-fund Blue Creek capex, lease obligations, or dividends. Continued weak cash conversion may force external financing or slower investment pacing.
Persistent Market Oversupply & Pricing Pressure
Structural oversupply in seaborne steelmaking coal and heightened Chinese export volumes create sustained downward pressure on realized prices. Prolonged weak demand/pricing can permanently depress revenue per ton and delay margin recovery despite operational gains.

Warrior Met Coal (HCC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Warrior Met Coal Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWarrior Met Coal, Inc. produces and exports non-thermal metallurgical coal for the steel industry. It operates two underground mines located in Alabama. The company sells its metallurgical coal to a customer base of blast furnace steel producers located primarily in Europe, South America, and Asia. It also sells natural gas, which is extracted as a byproduct from coal production. Warrior Met Coal, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Brookwood, Alabama.
How the Company Makes MoneyWarrior Met Coal generates revenue primarily through the sale of metallurgical coal to steel producers and other industrial customers. Its revenue model is centered on the production and export of high-quality coal, which commands premium prices in the market. The company sells its products under long-term contracts and spot market transactions, diversifying its revenue streams. Key revenue factors include the global demand for steel, fluctuations in coal prices, and operational efficiencies that lower production costs. Additionally, Warrior Met Coal has established strategic partnerships with various steel manufacturers, enhancing its market position and securing consistent sales channels.

Warrior Met Coal Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Warrior showcased strong operational achievements and financial performance with the early start of Blue Creek operations and record sales volumes. However, this was offset by persistent weak market conditions and pressure from additional supply. Despite the challenges, Warrior remains optimistic about its long-term growth strategy.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Early Start of Blue Creek Longwall Operations
The Blue Creek longwall operations started 8 months ahead of schedule, showcasing exceptional execution and commitment to driving shareholder value.
Increased Production and Sales Volume
Production volume increased by 10% for 2025, with Blue Creek mine expected to produce 1.8 million short tons of high-vol steelmaking coal, an 80% increase over initial guidance.
Successful Federal Coal Lease Acquisition
Warrior won a bid for 58 million short tons of high-quality steelmaking coal reserves, enhancing long-term value and extending the life of core mining operations.
Record Quarterly Sales Volume
Achieved record high quarterly sales volume of 2.4 million short tons, a 27% increase compared to the same quarter last year.
Strong Financial Position
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 32% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting higher sales volumes and better net selling prices.
Negative Updates
Weak Steelmaking Coal Market Conditions
Ongoing weak market conditions due to increased Chinese steel exports, subdued global demand, and oversupplied seaborne steelmaking coal markets.
Decreased Average Net Selling Price
Average net selling price decreased to $136 per short ton compared to $172 in the third quarter of last year, a 21% drop.
Lower Gross Price Realization
Achieved gross price realization of 83% in the third quarter, below the targeted range of 85% to 90%.
Pressure from Additional Supply
Anticipated additional supply coming online, which could keep pricing weak and range-bound.
Company Guidance
During the Warrior Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call, the company provided updated guidance for the fiscal year, driven by several key operational and financial metrics. The production volume guidance for the full year 2025 was increased by approximately 10%, primarily due to the early start of the Blue Creek longwall operations, which commenced eight months ahead of schedule. This early start is expected to result in an 80% increase in Blue Creek's production to 1.8 million short tons of high-vol steelmaking coal, contributing to a strong third-quarter net income and adjusted EBITDA. The company also noted an increase in sales volume, achieving a record quarterly sales volume of 2.4 million short tons, representing a 27% increase compared to the same quarter last year. Warrior's cash cost of sales per ton decreased, reflecting tightly managed operational costs, and capital expenditures for Blue Creek remain on budget, with a total project cost estimate between $995 million and $1.075 billion. The successful bid for an additional 58 million short tons of high-quality coal reserves is expected to bolster the company's long-term value proposition. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue focusing on ramping up longwall production and optimizing infrastructure performance, although it remains cautious about ongoing market challenges and potential impacts on pricing.

Warrior Met Coal Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are mixed: revenue grew 7.1% TTM, but profitability fell sharply (gross margin down to 30.74% from 97.02%; net margin down to 3.30% from 16.43%). The balance sheet is a strength with low leverage (debt-to-equity 0.113) and a high equity ratio (78.93%), but cash generation is weakening (free cash flow growth -33.66% and operating cash flow to net income at 0.89).
Income Statement
65
Positive
Warrior Met Coal's income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) gross profit margin is relatively low at 30.74% compared to the previous year's 97.02%, indicating a significant decline in profitability. The net profit margin also decreased to 3.30% from 16.43% in the previous year. However, there is a positive revenue growth rate of 7.1% in the TTM, suggesting some recovery in sales. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have also declined, reflecting reduced operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet of Warrior Met Coal is relatively stable. The debt-to-equity ratio is low at 0.113, indicating a conservative leverage position. The return on equity (ROE) has decreased to 1.94% in the TTM from 11.99% in the previous year, suggesting reduced profitability for shareholders. The equity ratio stands at 78.93%, reflecting a strong equity base relative to total assets.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
The cash flow statement reveals some challenges. The free cash flow growth rate is negative at -33.66% in the TTM, indicating a decline in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.89, suggesting that operating cash flow is not fully covering net income. Additionally, the free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, highlighting potential cash flow issues.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.22B1.53B1.68B1.74B1.06B782.74M
Gross Profit362.46M1.48B601.51M885.81M334.62M5.74M
EBITDA150.69M447.35M696.74M929.82M377.89M94.50M
Net Income35.17M250.60M478.63M641.30M150.88M-35.76M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.68B2.59B2.36B2.03B1.46B1.39B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments392.52M506.17M747.23M838.09M404.34M220.42M
Total Debt236.57M173.04M173.24M335.68M391.86M418.38M
Total Liabilities564.82M500.70M482.61M580.58M592.23M668.70M
Stockholders Equity2.12B2.09B1.87B1.45B871.98M725.24M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-169.57M-89.77M209.43M633.16M293.65M25.14M
Operating Cash Flow207.36M367.45M701.11M841.90M351.54M112.63M
Investing Cash Flow-448.12M-538.00M-527.21M-255.14M-71.15M-108.19M
Financing Cash Flow-5.79M-68.51M-265.18M-153.12M-96.47M14.10M

Warrior Met Coal Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price92.09
Price Trends
50DMA
87.54
Positive
100DMA
77.08
Positive
200DMA
63.97
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.11
Positive
RSI
43.79
Neutral
STOCH
13.40
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HCC, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 92.09 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 95.46, above the 50-day MA of 87.54, and above the 200-day MA of 63.97, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.11 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.79 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 13.40 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for HCC.

Warrior Met Coal Risk Analysis

Warrior Met Coal disclosed 60 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Warrior Met Coal reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Warrior Met Coal Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$3.06B12.8313.07%11.05%-9.45%-46.37%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
61
Neutral
$4.69B137.921.67%0.36%-23.25%-90.78%
61
Neutral
$4.29B-121.71-0.87%0.96%-7.21%-106.39%
57
Neutral
$4.89B-229.39-1.64%0.45%64.05%-103.03%
56
Neutral
$1.22B-33.46-7.40%2.83%-16.99%-184.02%
54
Neutral
$2.70B-58.79-2.87%-32.53%-112.77%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HCC
Warrior Met Coal
89.30
36.83
70.19%
ARLP
Alliance Resource
23.82
-2.18
-8.38%
AMR
Alpha Metallurgical Resources
209.80
26.63
14.54%
METC
Ramaco Resources
19.51
10.72
121.96%
BTU
Peabody Energy Comm
35.26
17.41
97.49%
CNR
Core Natural Resources
95.38
5.53
6.15%

Warrior Met Coal Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Warrior Met Coal wins approval for new mining leases
Positive
Jan 16, 2026

On November 25, 2025, Warrior Met Coal subsidiaries Warrior Met Coal BC and Warrior Met Coal Mining entered into two long-term federal coal leases with the U.S. government’s Bureau of Land Management covering approximately 8,346 acres at Mine No. 1 and 5,704 acres at Mine No. 4, which together hold an estimated 53.2 million short tons of recoverable coal. Under the 20-year minimum term leases, which continue as long as coal is produced in commercial quantities, the company secured exclusive mining rights in exchange for 7% production royalties, annual per-acre rental payments, and indemnification obligations, while committing roughly $32 million for Mine No. 1 and $15 million for Mine No. 4 to be paid in five equal annual installments; on January 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior approved the mining plans for both leases, enabling Warrior Met Coal to advance coal development and mining operations on portions of these tracts, potentially expanding its reserve base and future production capacity.

The most recent analyst rating on (HCC) stock is a Hold with a $108.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Warrior Met Coal stock, see the HCC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 27, 2026