0015 GMT - Australia's New Hope could seek an acquisition to bolster its coal production, according to Bell Potter analyst James Williamson. "Beyond ramp-up of New Acland Stage 3, we see a limited organic production growth pipeline and believe NHC may participate in industry consolidation," he says in a note. Williamson highlights an improved quarterly production result, which beat the broker's expectations, and says New Hope is tracking well against guidance. The miner had roughly A$572 million in cash and fixed-income investments at April 30, he notes. Bell Potter keeps a hold rating and raises its target to A$5.00 from A$4.50. "NHC's low-cost operations will continue to underpin margins through the coal price cycle, funding capital expenditure commitments and supporting shareholder returns," Williamson says. Shares are up 0.2% at A$5.52. (rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com; @RhiannonHoyle)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 19, 2026 20:15 ET (00:15 GMT)

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