NEW YORK, February 3 (FinanceEnquiry.com) - Analysts at Deutsche Bank Securities reiterate their buy rating on the shares of Arch Coal (NYSE: ACI). The 12-month target price is set to $25.

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts expect Arch Coal to report Q4 EPS of $0.32, with the company's previous comparative results being 3Q11 EPS of $0.08 and 4Q10 EPS of $0.33.  In addition, an EBITDA of $296 million is expected, compared to $212 million in 3Q11 and $192 million in 4Q10, the analysts add.
 
Moreover, ACI maintained FY11 EBITDA and adjusted EPS guidance of $0.9-$1.1 billion and $1-1.40, respectively. That indicates a Q4 EBITDA and EPS guidance of $250-450 million and $0.12-0.52, respectively. The recent volume guidance was at 157-160m t, implying 44-47m t in 4Q, as per Deutsche Bank Securities. Arch Coal ‘priced’ positions were 67% in 2012 and 33% in 2013, at the end of 3Q. The key issues in the quarter include contract positions, CapEx & cash priorities, debt targets, natgas switching views, US coal export outlook, meeting shipment expectations and an update on Mountain Laurel ops & Tygart project, the analysts cite.