New Hope . Stock Earnings Reports

New Hope Group reported a solid start to FY2026 with improving safety (12-month TRIFR down 18% q/q to 2.63) and stronger operational performance. Group saleable coal production was 2.7 Mt in Q1 (+7% q/q) with 17.1 million bcm moved (+6% q/q). Bengalla production and sales rebounded following weather/logistics disruptions, delivering lower FOB cash cost (ex‑royalties) of AUD 83/t (‑18% q/q). New Acland remains in ramp‑up: Q1 production 0.7 Mt with higher-waste prime movement; management expects New Acland to increasingly contribute through the year. Underlying quarterly EBITDA rose 16% to AUD 108m and average realized price was AUD 137/t. The FY2026 guidance targets 10.2–11.5 Mt saleable coal, reflecting an increasing contribution from New Acland and a relatively stable Bengalla output while the pit is realigned. Balance sheet: AUD 544m cash at quarter end after paying the FY25 final fully franked dividend of AUD 0.15/sh (AUD 126m) and acquiring an additional 3% stake in Malabar (~AUD 36m). Management flagged elevated near‑term capital at Bengalla (including planned truck fleet replacement, to be financed) and repurposing of previously proposed New Acland rail loop capital following a Coordinator‑General decision. The Company prefers returning capital as dividends presently (while retaining buyback flexibility), and will continue logistics engagement and capacity increases to mitigate rail/port disruptions.