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Ramaco Resources Inc (METC)
NASDAQ:METC

Ramaco Resources (METC) AI Stock Analysis

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Ramaco Resources

(NASDAQ:METC)

63Neutral
Ramaco Resources has demonstrated strong operational efficiency and strategic advancements, particularly in its rare earth project. However, challenges such as high valuation, market headwinds, and technical bearish trends weigh on the overall score. Record liquidity and strong earnings performance provide a solid foundation for potential recovery, but caution is advised due to ongoing market challenges.
Positive Factors
Earnings
Ramaco Resources reported 4Q adjusted EBITDA of $29M, beating the consensus estimate of $22M and our estimate of $24M.
Operational Efficiency
With the Maben prep plant now in operation, net trucking costs were reduced by over $20 per clean ton.
Negative Factors
Cost Management
The company anticipates cash costs per ton will land towards the high end of its full-year guidance range due to freezing temperatures and flooding.
Market Conditions
1Q results are expected to be the weakest of the year as they will be pressured by extreme weather and weak market conditions.

Ramaco Resources (METC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Ramaco Resources Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRamaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC) is a U.S.-based metallurgical coal company focused on the production and sale of high-quality metallurgical coal for the steelmaking industry. The company operates primarily in the Appalachian region, with a strong presence in West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Ramaco Resources owns and manages several coal mines and processing facilities, positioning itself as a key supplier of metallurgical coal to both domestic and international steel producers.
How the Company Makes MoneyRamaco Resources generates revenue primarily through the extraction and sale of metallurgical coal, which is a critical component in the steelmaking process. The company sells its coal to a diverse customer base, including major steel producers in the United States and abroad. Revenue is largely driven by the volume of coal produced and sold, as well as the prevailing market prices for metallurgical coal. Additionally, Ramaco Resources benefits from operational efficiencies and strategic investments in its mining operations, which help to control costs and maximize profitability. The company may also engage in strategic partnerships or long-term contracts with key customers, providing a stable revenue stream and enhancing its market position.

Ramaco Resources Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ramaco Resources presents a mixed financial performance with strong operational efficiencies but faces challenges in revenue growth and profit margins. The balance sheet remains solid, but increasing debt levels warrant attention. Cash flow generation is strong, yet free cash flow consistency needs improvement.
Income Statement
60
Neutral
Ramaco Resources showed a volatile revenue trajectory with a decline in the latest period compared to the previous year. The gross profit margin remained high, reflecting efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has decreased significantly, indicating pressure on bottom-line profitability.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's balance sheet is relatively strong with a moderate debt-to-equity ratio, indicating a balanced leverage position. The equity ratio is stable, suggesting a solid equity base. However, there is a noticeable increase in total debt, which could pose a risk if it continues to rise.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Operating cash flow remained robust, demonstrating the company's ability to generate cash from operations. However, free cash flow growth has been inconsistent, and the free cash flow to net income ratio indicates potential concerns with cash conversion efficiency.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
666.29M693.52M565.69M283.39M168.91M
Gross Profit
133.00M199.73M232.73M87.98M23.41M
EBIT
16.64M95.25M150.39M39.53M-7.17M
EBITDA
86.66M150.90M192.70M73.78M14.31M
Net Income Common Stockholders
11.19M82.31M116.04M39.76M-4.91M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
33.01M41.96M35.61M21.89M5.30M
Total Assets
674.69M665.84M596.34M329.03M228.62M
Total Debt
132.34M100.55M138.11M51.44M17.45M
Net Debt
99.33M58.59M102.50M29.55M12.15M
Total Liabilities
311.88M296.23M287.14M117.96M59.53M
Stockholders Equity
362.81M369.61M309.20M211.07M169.09M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
57.43M78.13M64.86M23.87M-11.44M
Operating Cash Flow
112.67M161.04M187.87M53.34M13.31M
Investing Cash Flow
-70.83M-72.21M-145.71M-59.61M-24.75M
Financing Cash Flow
-50.79M-82.52M-28.50M22.37M11.29M

Ramaco Resources Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price8.70
Price Trends
50DMA
9.02
Negative
100DMA
9.92
Negative
200DMA
10.74
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.30
Positive
RSI
45.15
Neutral
STOCH
23.05
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For METC, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 8.7 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.33, below the 50-day MA of 9.02, and below the 200-day MA of 10.74, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.30 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 45.15 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 23.05 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for METC.

Ramaco Resources Risk Analysis

Ramaco Resources disclosed 97 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Ramaco Resources 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

Ramaco Resources Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$3.38B9.5019.34%10.63%-4.60%-42.35%
BTBTU
78
Outperform
$1.37B4.1610.41%2.67%-14.50%-46.36%
HCHCC
69
Neutral
$2.30B9.1412.64%0.68%-9.10%-47.93%
SXSXC
67
Neutral
$727.96M7.6514.82%5.35%-6.19%65.91%
63
Neutral
$458.28M41.713.06%3.16%-3.93%-88.36%
AMAMR
60
Neutral
$1.44B8.3511.64%0.36%-14.81%-71.49%
47
Neutral
$2.43B-3.06-22.76%3.59%4.02%-29.07%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
METC
Ramaco Resources
8.70
-6.23
-41.73%
ARLP
Alliance Resource
26.06
7.38
39.51%
SXC
Suncoke Energy
9.00
-1.14
-11.24%
AMR
Alpha Metallurgical Resources
118.67
-206.13
-63.46%
HCC
Warrior Met Coal
47.37
-15.11
-24.18%
BTU
Peabody Energy Comm
12.73
-9.89
-43.72%

Ramaco Resources Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 10, 2025 | % Change Since: 3.57% | Next Earnings Date: May 7, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
Ramaco Resources demonstrated strong operational and financial performance despite significant market challenges, including weak coal prices and severe weather impacts. The company maintained record liquidity and made advancements in its rare earth project, indicating resilience and potential for future growth. However, ongoing market headwinds and global steel market weakness remain significant concerns.
Highlights
Strong Fourth Quarter Performance
The fourth quarter was the strongest of the year for Ramaco Resources both financially and operationally, with record tons sold and cash costs well under $100 a ton.
Record Liquidity Levels
Ramaco ended the year with record levels of liquidity at $138 million, up more than 50% year on year, and maintained minimal net debt to EBITDA.
Cost Control Achievements
Despite a $30 per ton drop in met coal prices, cash mine costs remained well controlled, with margins at $33 a ton, showcasing strong operational efficiency.
Rare Earth Project Advancements
The rare earth and critical minerals project in Wyoming is progressing, with plans to begin full-scale mining in July and construction of a pilot processing facility in the fall.
Resilience in Challenging Market
Despite market challenges, Ramaco maintained strong cash margins and ended the year with a run rate of 4.5 million tons sold, the highest in company history.
Lowlights
Continued Market Headwinds
Met coal prices faced significant pressure due to Chinese steel overproduction and global steel market weakness, impacting pricing negatively.
Impact of Extreme Weather
Severe weather events, including freezing temperatures and historic flooding, affected operations and shipping, causing missed employee shifts and added costs.
Weakness in Global Steel Markets
Global steel demand remains weak, with Chinese steel exports surging and impacting steel prices worldwide, leading to reduced profitability for coal producers.
Challenges in Seaborne Markets
Weak pricing environment in the seaborne market has led to profitability issues for many U.S. and Australian producers, resulting in bankruptcies and supply cuts.
Company Guidance
During Ramaco Resources, Inc.'s fourth quarter 2024 earnings call, the company provided guidance reflecting a strong operational performance despite challenging market conditions. The fourth quarter was highlighted by record tons sold and cash costs dropping below $100 per ton, resulting in cash margins of $33 per ton, which were nearly 50% higher than other Central Appalachian public peers. The company's liquidity reached a record $140 million, and the adjusted EBITDA increased to $29 million from $24 million in the previous quarter. Ramaco maintained its 2025 guidance with a spread between low and high ends due to market uncertainties, adjusting the expected book tax rate to 25%-30% while anticipating minimal cash taxes. The company also discussed the potential for increased domestic demand aligning with their sales strategy, with 3.5 million tons already committed for 2025. Additionally, Ramaco is advancing its rare earth and critical minerals project in Wyoming, with plans to begin full-scale mining in July and pilot plant construction in the fall, supported by a $6 million grant recommendation from the Wyoming Energy Authority.

Ramaco Resources Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ramaco Resources Announces Leadership and Board Changes
Neutral
Mar 18, 2025

On March 18, 2025, Ramaco Resources announced changes in its executive leadership and Board of Directors. E. Forrest Jones, Jr. resigned from the Board effective March 14, 2025, to become the new General Counsel starting May 1, 2025. He was honored with the title of Director Emeritus. Evan H. Jenkins, the current General Counsel and Secretary, was appointed to the Board and named Vice-Chairman, effective March 14, 2025. Jenkins will continue as Secretary after stepping down as General Counsel upon Jones’ commencement. These changes reflect strategic leadership adjustments aimed at leveraging the extensive legal and regulatory expertise of both Jones and Jenkins to strengthen the company’s operations and governance.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ramaco Resources Secures Grant for Rare Earth Project
Positive
Mar 17, 2025

On March 17, 2025, Ramaco Resources announced it received a $6.1 million matching grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority for its Wyoming CORE Brook Mine project. This funding supports the construction of a rare earth and critical minerals pilot processing facility in Sheridan, Wyoming, marking the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. since 1952. The project aims to extract valuable rare earth elements and critical minerals from unconventional coal and carbonaceous ore deposits, potentially positioning Wyoming as a key player in meeting national energy and security needs.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Ramaco Resources Achieves Record Q4 Performance in 2024
Positive
Mar 10, 2025

Ramaco Resources reported its strongest operational and financial quarter of 2024 in Q4, achieving a 24% increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $29.2 million despite a decline in metallurgical coal prices. The company sold a record 1.1 million tons, reduced cash costs, and maintained solid cash margins per ton sold. Looking ahead to 2025, Ramaco anticipates continued operational progress, with significant sales commitments and ongoing development of its rare earth and critical minerals project in Wyoming.

Dividends
Ramaco Resources Announces Q1 2025 Stock Dividend
Positive
Mar 4, 2025

On March 4, 2025, Ramaco Resources announced the dividend ratio for its previously declared Class A common stock dividend for the first quarter of 2025. Shareholders of record on February 28, 2025, will receive a dividend payable in Class B common stock, with each Class A shareholder receiving 0.015537 of a Class B share per Class A share, based on the Class B closing price of $8.85. No fractional shares will be issued, and cash will be paid for any fractional shares. This announcement reflects Ramaco’s ongoing commitment to shareholder value and its strategic financial management.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Ramaco Resources Declares First Quarter Cash Dividend
Positive
Feb 18, 2025

On February 18, 2025, Ramaco Resources announced a first quarter cash dividend of $0.1971 per share for its Class B common stock, payable on March 14, 2025, to shareholders recorded on February 28, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders, as it also declared a separate Class A dividend payable in Class B stock, highlighting its strong financial position and strategic focus on shareholder returns.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.