Peabody Energy Reaches New 1-Year High

Shares of the coal producer hit a 52-week high, sparking debate on whether it's time to buy.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 8:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) saw its stock price reach a new 52-week high of $41.14 during trading on Friday. The stock closed at $37.43, up from the previous close of $36.26, on heavy trading volume of nearly 10 million shares. The surge in Peabody's stock price has analysts divided on whether it's a good time for investors to buy the stock.

Why it matters

Peabody Energy is one of the world's largest private-sector coal companies, with operations spanning surface and underground mines that serve utilities, steel mills, and other industrial customers. The company's performance is seen as an indicator of the broader coal industry's health and investor sentiment around fossil fuels.

The details

Several research firms have weighed in on Peabody Energy's stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded the stock from a 'sell' rating to 'hold', while Zacks Research downgraded it from 'hold' to 'strong sell'. UBS Group and B. Riley Financial both raised their price targets, to $34.50 and $43.00 respectively, and maintained 'neutral' and 'buy' ratings on the stock.

  • Peabody Energy's stock reached a new 52-week high of $41.14 during mid-day trading on Friday, March 20, 2026.
  • The stock closed at $37.43 on March 20, 2026.

The players

Peabody Energy Corporation

One of the world's largest private-sector coal companies, engaged primarily in the production and sale of metallurgical and thermal coal.

Wall Street Zen

A research firm that upgraded Peabody Energy's rating from 'sell' to 'hold'.

Zacks Research

A research firm that downgraded Peabody Energy's rating from 'hold' to 'strong sell'.

UBS Group

A research firm that raised Peabody Energy's price target to $34.50 and maintained a 'neutral' rating.

B. Riley Financial

A research firm that raised Peabody Energy's price target to $43.00 and maintained a 'buy' rating.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.