BA-Merrill Lynch confirmed at the beginning of the month that March quarter production was in line with expectations. The company's FY13 production guidance is for 9m tonnes of ROM coal. On the broker's estimates this equates to a 4% reduction in guidance since the first half result. The company has indicated that weak coal markets are continuing to impact on performance. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank said it might have been a weak quarter, but the broker thought it was still pretty good given the difficulties faced over the period. On the other hand, FY13 production has been downgraded and realised price expectations have been lowered. On the upside, Narrabri is showing some good signs of progress and the broker is also confident the moisture issues will be sorted after the first long-wall change in June. The broker also sees compelling value at current levels. B/H/S: 6/2/0
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