On Monday the coal mining and production company Peabody Energy Corporation (BTU) reported a steep drop in earnings but a rise in revenues that beat analysts expectations.

The St. Louis, Missouri based company reported third quarter adjusted earnings per share of 51 cents down -43% from 90 cents per share a year earlier. However, it beat the expectations of analysts polled by Thomas Reuters by 17 cents.

BTU revenue came in at $2.06 billion for the quarter, up from $1.98 billion a year earlier. That beat analysts expectations of $1.97 billion for the quarter.

Peabody Energy expects the 2012 fiscal year EPS to be in the range of $1.88 to $2.08. Analysts expect $1.79.

Peabody Energy shares were up $1.57, or +6.06%, in premarket trading on Monday. Shares are down $7.22, or -21.81%, year to date.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Peabody Energy (BTU) have a 1.31% dividend yield, based on Friday’s closing stock price of $25.89. The stock has technical support in the $20-$22 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $29-$30 price levels.

Peabody Energy Corporation (BTU) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars.

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