Massey Energy Co. (MEE) has seen analysts lift full-year 2008 earnings estimates from last month’s projection of $3.21 per share to $3.58. The most accurate forecast is a more bullish $3.70.

Company Description

Massey Energy Company, which is the fourth largest coal company in the United States based on produced coal revenue, is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia.

An Update on the Company’s Guidance

Massey Energy recently backed its 2008 forecast, noting that it still expects full-year 2008 results, excluding a litigation charge recorded in the second quarter, to be within the ranges of full-year guidance provided previously but with produced tons sold and average price per ton trending toward the lower end of the respective ranges.

Management added that Global demand for coal remains very strong and prices have remained at very high levels. Massey’s Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship said, “with continuing progress in our expansion efforts and prices in excess of our original plans, Massey is on track for another record year.”

In the company’s second-quarter report, which was released in late July, it projected 2008 produced coal shipments to be between 41.5 and 43.0 million tons, with average produced coal realization between $65.00 and $66.00 per ton. MEE said that excluding the WP litigation charge, average cash cost per ton for the full year 2008 is expected to be between $47.00 and $50.00. Other income is expected to be between $20 and $100 million.

More on the Second Quarter

Results for the second quarter included a year-over-year increase of 38% for produced coal revenue and an 8% increase in produced coal tons sold, thanks to the strength of its expanding operations in Central Appalachia. Second-quarter produced coal revenue reached a record $710.3 million, versus the prior-year $516.2 million.

The company’s earnings per share totaled $1.15, soaring past 43 the previous year’s 43 cents and exceeding the consensus estimate by 42%.

Income

Massey recently declared a quarterly dividend of 5 cents per share, which is payable on October 14 to shareholders of record on September 30.

Stellar Growth is Expected for MEE

The company’s earnings per share are expected to grow by an impressive 40% over the next 3 – 5 years, which is well above the industry average projection of 11%.

Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research

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