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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

 

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number: 001-14901

 


 

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   51-0337383

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

1800 Washington Road,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(412) 831-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class


 

Shares outstanding as of November 1, 2004


Common stock, $0.01 par value

  90,485,129

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

    

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

ITEM 1.

   CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     
     Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003    1
     Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003    2
     Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2004    3
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003    4
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    5

ITEM 2.

   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    38

ITEM 3.

   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    64

ITEM 4.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    65
    

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

    

ITEM 6.

   EXHIBITS    66


Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Sales—Outside

   $ 617,738     $ 511,571     $ 1,832,201     $ 1,529,366  

Sales—Related Parties

     —         —         —         1,369  

Freight—Outside

     21,232       27,329       82,439       84,937  

Freight—Related Parties

     —         —         —         562  

Other Income

     20,906       13,260       70,675       52,253  
    


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

     659,876       552,160       1,985,315       1,668,487  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     522,761       415,078       1,452,092       1,206,640  

Freight Expense

     21,232       27,329       82,439       85,499  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     18,191       20,218       54,051       56,691  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     63,015       61,116       184,210       184,115  

Interest Expense

     6,271       8,036       23,653       26,002  

Taxes Other Than Income

     46,772       38,783       143,293       124,345  

Export Sales Excise Tax Resolution

     —         —         —         (614 )
    


 


 


 


Total Costs

     678,242       570,560       1,939,738       1,682,678  
    


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (18,366 )     (18,400 )     45,577       (14,191 )

Income Tax Benefit

     (6,792 )     (12,505 )     (1,964 )     (22,244 )
    


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     (11,574 )     (5,895 )     47,541       8,053  

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Mine Closing, Reclamation and Gas Well Closing Costs, net of Income Taxes of $3,035

     —         —         —         4,768  

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Workers’ Compensation Liability, net of Income Taxes of $53,080

     —         —         83,373       —    
    


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ (11,574 )   $ (5,895 )   $ 130,914     $ 12,821  
    


 


 


 


Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.45     $ 0.16  
    


 


 


 


Dilutive Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.44     $ 0.16  
    


 


 


 


Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

                                

Basic

     90,361,024       79,500,793       90,122,954       79,006,036  
    


 


 


 


Dilutive

     90,361,024       79,500,793       91,018,644       79,247,950  
    


 


 


 


Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.42     $ 0.42  
    


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

(Unaudited)

SEPTEMBER 30,
2004


    DECEMBER 31,
2003


 
ASSETS                

Current Assets:

               

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $ 12,629     $ 6,513  

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

               

Trade

    115,025       89,971  

Other Receivables

    64,982       91,401  

Inventories

    110,409       103,358  

Deferred Income Taxes

    136,392       125,938  

Recoverable Income Taxes

    24,418       20,257  

Prepaid Expenses

    37,221       33,402  
   


 


Total Current Assets

    501,076       470,840  

Property, Plant and Equipment:

               

Property, Plant and Equipment

    6,411,384       6,274,030  

Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

    3,250,075       3,212,523  
   


 


Total Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

    3,161,309       3,061,507  

Other Assets:

               

Deferred Income Taxes

    350,379       409,090  

Investment in Affiliates

    46,539       84,878  

Restricted Cash

    —         190,918  

Other

    108,276       101,745  
   


 


Total Other Assets

    505,194       786,631  
   


 


TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 4,167,579     $ 4,318,978  
   


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                

Current Liabilities:

               

Accounts Payable

  $ 141,531     $ 134,772  

Short-Term Notes Payable

    45,000       68,760  

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

    3,831       53,330  

Other Accrued Liabilities

    545,390       567,737  
   


 


Total Current Liabilities

    735,752       824,599  

Total Long-Term Debt

    424,652       441,912  

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

               

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

    1,517,697       1,494,615  

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

    431,056       441,076  

Mine Closing

    306,481       312,208  

Workers’ Compensation

    135,056       255,785  

Deferred Revenue

    54,311       61,673  

Salary Retirement

    60,412       79,545  

Reclamation

    6,495       14,480  

Other

    110,582       102,448  
   


 


Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    2,622,090       2,761,830  

Stockholders’ Equity:

               

Common Stock, $.01 par value; 500,000,000 Shares Authorized, 91,267,558 Issued; and 90,443,462 Outstanding at September 30, 2004, and 89,861,900 Outstanding at December 31, 2003

    913       913  

Preferred Stock, 15,000,000 Shares Authorized; None Issued and Outstanding

    —         —    

Capital in Excess of Par Value

    839,232       833,675  

Retained Earnings (Deficit)

    (332,402 )     (425,470 )

Other Comprehensive Loss

    (113,354 )     (102,601 )

Common Stock in Treasury, at Cost—824,096 Shares at September 30, 2004 and 1,405,658 Shares at December 31, 2003

    (9,304 )     (15,880 )
   


 


Total Stockholders’ Equity

    385,085       290,637  
   


 


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $ 4,167,579     $ 4,318,978  
   


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

2


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Common
Stock


   Capital in
Excess of
Par Value


   Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)


   

Other

Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Treasury
Stock


    Total
Stockholders’
Equity


 

Balance—December 31, 2003

   $ 913    $ 833,675    $ (425,470 )   $ (102,601 )   $ (15,880 )   $ 290,637  
    

  

  


 


 


 


(Unaudited)

                                              

Net Income

     —        —        130,914       —         —         130,914  

Treasury Rate Lock (Net of $39 tax)

     —        —        —         (61 )     —         (61 )

Interest Rate Swap Contract (Net of ($514) tax)

     —        —        —         807       —         807  

Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of $7,320 tax)

     —        —        —         (11,499 )     —         (11,499 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     —        —        130,914       (10,753 )     —         120,161  

Issuance of Restricted Stock Units under the Equity Incentive Plan (195,377 units)

     —        715      —         —         —         715  

Stock-Based Compensation

     —        848      —         —         —         848  

Treasury Stock Issued (581,562 shares)

     —        3,994      —         —         6,576       10,570  

Dividends ($.42 per share)

     —        —        (37,846 )     —         —         (37,846 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance—September 30, 2004

   $ 913    $ 839,232    $ (332,402 )   $ (113,354 )   $ (9,304 )   $ 385,085  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,


 
    2004

    2003

 

Operating Activities:

               

Net Income (Loss)

  $ 130,914     $ 12,821  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

               

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, net of tax

    (83,373 )     (4,768 )

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

    184,210       184,115  

Compensation from Restricted Stock Unit Grants

    715       —    

Gain on the Sale of Assets

    (38,869 )     (19,002 )

Amortization of Mineral Leases

    4,294       3,760  

Deferred Income Taxes

    2,022       (8,849 )

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

    3,951       4,561  

Changes in Operating Assets:

               

Accounts Receivable Securitization

    (5,700 )     115,900  

Accounts and Notes Receivable

    12,815       36,048  

Inventories

    (7,051 )     19,891  

Prepaid Expenses

    (3,820 )     (10,278 )

Changes in Other Assets

    9,066       5,842  

Changes in Operating Liabilities:

               

Accounts Payable

    28,016       (26,460 )

Other Operating Liabilities

    (26,270 )     125,190  

Changes in Other Liabilities

    (14,880 )     (116,300 )

Other

    (707 )     (5,502 )
   


 


      64,419       304,148  
   


 


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

    195,333       316,969  
   


 


Investing Activities:

               

Capital Expenditures

    (299,094 )     (186,266 )

Additions to Mineral Leases

    (4,267 )     (4,241 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

    (2,792 )     (8,626 )

Proceeds from Sales of Assets

    22,829       85,583  
   


 


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

    (283,324 )     (113,550 )
   


 


Financing Activities:

               

Payments on Commercial Paper

    —         (202,953 )

(Payments on) Proceeds from Miscellaneous Borrowings

    (4,535 )     130  

Payments on Revolver

    (20,000 )     —    

Payments on Long Term Notes

    (45,000 )     —    

Proceeds from Long Term Notes

    —         1,757  

Dividends Paid

    (37,811 )     (33,051 )

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

            189,552  

Withdrawal from (Deposit to) Restricted Cash

    190,918       (918 )

Issuance of Treasury Stock

    10,535       665  
   


 


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

    94,107       (44,818 )
   


 


Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

    6,116       158,601  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

    6,513       11,517  
   


 


Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

  $ 12,629     $ 170,118  
   


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals, as well as the cumulative effect of changes in accounting for workers’ compensation and mine closing, reclamation and gas well closing) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-month period and nine-month period ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2003 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

 

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in CONSOL Energy Inc.’s (CONSOL Energy) Form 10-K.

 

Certain reclassifications of the prior year’s data have been made to conform to the nine months ended September 30, 2004 classifications, with no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity. The reclassifications include classifying leased coal interest and advance mining royalties, previously reported separately on the balance sheet as intangible assets, as a component of property, plant and equipment in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-02, “Whether Mineral Rights Are Tangible or Intangible Assets.”

 

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of stock options, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. Options to purchase 1,104,283 shares of common stock were outstanding for the nine month period ended September 30, 2004, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. Options to purchase 1,730,205 shares of common stock were outstanding for the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options were antidilutive. Due to the net loss position for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, no options to purchase shares were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive.

 

5


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

The computations for basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

    

For the

Three Months

Ended September 30,


   

For the

Nine Months

Ended September 30,


     2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting

   $ (11,574 )   $ (5,895 )   $ 47,541    $ 8,053

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     —         —         83,373      4,768
    


 


 

  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (11,574 )   $ (5,895 )   $ 130,914    $ 12,821
    


 


 

  

Average shares of common stock Outstanding:

                             

Basic

     90,361,024       79,500,793       90,122,954      79,006,036

Effect of stock options

     —         —         895,690      241,914
    


 


 

  

Diluted

     90,361,024       79,500,793       91,018,644      79,247,950

Earnings per share:

                             

Basic before cumulative effect

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 0.53    $ 0.10
    


 


 

  

Basic after cumulative effect

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.45    $ 0.16
    


 


 

  

Diluted before cumulative effect

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 0.52    $ 0.10
    


 


 

  

Diluted after cumulative effect

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.44    $ 0.16
    


 


 

  

 

NOTE 2—DISPOSITIONS:

 

In the nine months ended September 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy finalized working capital adjustment items and remaining liability transfers related to the sale of its Canadian coal assets and related port facilities. The sale was completed in February 2003. The finalization of these items resulted in CONSOL Energy making a cash payment to the buyer of $4,167 and recording a pre-tax gain of $3,561.

 

In February 2004, CONSOL Energy sold the stock of its wholly owned subsidiary CNX Australia Pty Limited to certain affiliates of AMCI, Inc. for $27,500 ($11,000 of cash and $16,500 of Notes Receivable). Certain affiliates of AMCI, Inc. also assumed $21,190 of credit facility debt and the associated interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges that a subsidiary of CNX Australia Pty Limited had incurred in connection with the credit facility. CNX Australia Pty Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary CONSOL Energy Australia Pty Limited, owned a 50% interest in the Glennies Creek Mine in New South Wales, Australia with its joint venture partner Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited, an affiliate of AMCI, Inc. The sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $14,374.

 

NOTE 3—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:

 

CONSOL Energy has implemented the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure-an Amendment of SFAS 123” (SFAS No. 148). CONSOL Energy continues to measure compensation expense for its stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” as amended. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise

 

6


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if CONSOL Energy had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 and 148 to stock-based employee compensation:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


    Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ (11,574 )   $ (5,895 )   $ 130,914     $ 12,821  

Add: Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units

     429       —         715       —    

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under Black-Scholes option pricing model and stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units

     (1,705 )     (1,002 )     (4,112 )     (2,506 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (12,850 )   $ (6,897 )   $ 127,517     $ 10,315  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share:

                                

Basic—as reported

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.45     $ 0.16  
    


 


 


 


Basic—pro forma

   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.09 )   $ 1.41     $ 0.13  
    


 


 


 


Diluted—as reported

   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 1.44     $ 0.16  
    


 


 


 


Diluted—pro forma

   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.09 )   $ 1.40     $ 0.13  
    


 


 


 


 

The pro forma adjustments in the current period are not necessarily indicative of future period pro forma adjustments as the assumptions used to determine fair value can vary significantly and the number of future shares to be issued under these plans is unknown.

 

Restricted Stock Unit Awards are grants that entitle the holder to receive shares of common stock as the award vests. A total of 195,377 restricted stock units were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, vesting over a weighted average period of 3.56 years. Each restricted stock unit represents one share of common stock. 194,807 of the shares represented by the restricted stock units had a market value of $30.78 per share (based upon the closing share price) at date of grant and 570 of the shares represented by these restricted stock units had a market value of $35.12 per share (based upon the closing share price) at date of grant. Compensation expense will be recognized over the vesting period of the units.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 4—COMPONENTS OF PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS:

 

Components of net periodic costs (benefits) for the three and nine months ended September 30 are as follows:

 

    Pension Benefits

    Other Benefits

   

Three Months

Ended

September 30,


   

Nine Months

Ended

September 30,


   

Three Months

Ended

September 30,


 

Nine Months

Ended

September 30,


    2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

    2004

  2003

  2004

    2003

Service cost

  $ 5,166     $ 5,765     $ 15,499     $ 17,295     $ 2,978   $ 3,237   $ 9,153     $ 9,712

Interest cost

    7,054       7,059       21,161       21,178       31,383     33,568     97,228       100,703

Expected return on plan assets

    (4,016 )     (4,953 )     (12,049 )     (14,861 )     —       —       —         —  

Amortization costs

    6,024       4,620       18,073       13,859       6,542     7,870     23,362       23,610

Curtailment gain

    —         —         —         —         —       —       (3,454 )     —  
   


 


 


 


 

 

 


 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 14,228     $ 12,491     $ 42,684     $ 37,471     $ 40,903   $ 44,675   $ 126,289     $ 134,025
   


 


 


 


 

 

 


 

 

CONSOL Energy previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, that it expected to contribute $57,414 to its pension plan in 2004. As of September 30, 2004, $56,092 of contributions has been made. CONSOL Energy presently anticipates contributing an additional $1,322 to fund its pension plan in 2004 for a total of $57,414.

 

CONSOL Energy has recognized the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” Implementation of the Act resulted in a reduction of our postretirement benefit costs of $9,553 and $21,625 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, and a reduction of $182,256 to our December 31, 2003 estimated other postretirement benefit obligation.

 

As previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the other post employment benefit plan in 2004. We intend to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, $93,876 of other post employment benefits has been paid.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 5—COMPONENTS OF COAL WORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS (CWP) AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION:

 

Components of net periodic costs (benefits) for the three and nine months ended September 30 are as follows:

 

     CWP

    Workers’ Compensation

    

Three Months
Ended

September 30,


   

Nine Months

Ended

September 30,


    Three Months
Ended
September 30,


   Nine Months
Ended
September 30,


     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

    2004

   2004

Service cost

   $ 1,068     $ 1,012     $ 3,205     $ 3,037     $ 11,446    $ 34,338

Interest cost

     3,120       3,412       9,360       10,237       2,068      6,203

Expected return on plan assets

     —         (50 )     —         (150 )     —        —  

Amortization of actuarial gain

     (5,642 )     (6,112 )     (16,928 )     (18,338 )     —        —  

Legal and administrative costs

     675       525       2,025       1,575       609      1,826
    


 


 


 


 

  

Net periodic (benefit)cost

   $ (779 )   $ (1,213 )   $ (2,338 )   $ (3,639 )   $ 14,123    $ 42,367
    


 


 


 


 

  

 

As previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the CWP plan in 2004. We intend to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, $8,778 of CWP benefits have been paid.

 

CONSOL Energy’s workers’ compensation liabilities are unfunded, and benefit claims are paid as they become due. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, $38,406 of workers’ compensation benefits have been paid.

 

CONSOL Energy also has expensed $10,596 related to workers’ compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 for various state administrative fees and surety bond premiums. The state administrative fees are paid to various states for the right to self-insure workers’ compensation claims.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, CONSOL Energy changed its method of accounting for workers’ compensation. Under the new method, the undiscounted liability is actuarially calculated based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Additionally, the workers’ compensation liability is recorded on a discounted basis, which has been actuarially determined using various assumptions, including a discount rate of 6% and a future health care trend rate of 10% per annum, declining to 4.75% per annum in 2010. CONSOL Energy believes this change was preferable since it aligns the accounting with the Company’s accounting for its other long-term employee benefit obligations, which are recorded on a discounted basis. Additionally, it provides a better comparison with the Company’s industry peers, the majority of which record workers’ compensation liability on a discounted basis.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, as a result of the change, CONSOL Energy reduced its workers’ compensation liability by $136,453 and reduced its related deferred tax asset by $53,080. The cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption was a gain of $83,373, net of a tax cost of approximately $53,080, and accordingly is reflected as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting. This cumulative effect adjustment is not included in the 2004 figures in the table above.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Prior to the change, CONSOL Energy recorded its workers’ compensation liability on an undiscounted basis. The liability represented the estimated liability for claims that had been filed with a third party administrator and an estimate representing an incurred but not reported claim liability. The total expense related to workers’ compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $14,740 and $39,881, respectively. Pro forma net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 would have been a loss of $8,337 and income of $5,680, respectively, had the change in accounting for workers’ compensation costs occurred at the beginning of 2003, assuming total workers’ compensation expense of $2,442 and $7,141, respectively, for those periods. Pro forma net income per basic common share and pro forma net income per diluted common share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 would have been a loss of $0.10 and income of $0.07, respectively.

 

NOTE 6—CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING FOR MINE CLOSING, RECLAMATION AND GAS WELL CLOSING COSTS:

 

Effective January 1, 2003, CONSOL Energy adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (SFAS No. 143). As a result of this statement, CONSOL Energy recognized additional liabilities of $51,692 for asset retirement obligations associated with the costs of mine closing, reclamation and gas well closing. In addition, CONSOL Energy capitalized asset retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of related long-lived assets, net of the associated accumulated depreciation, by $59,495.

 

The cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of this statement was a gain of $4,768, net of a tax cost of approximately $3,035.

 

NOTE 7—RESTRUCTURING COSTS:

 

In December 2003, CONSOL Energy reduced corporate overhead costs by eliminating approximately 100 selling, general and administrative and other positions within the Company. The restructuring of the corporate overhead was a result of developments in CONSOL Energy’s business, including operating fewer mines than have been operated in the past, the sale of non-core business assets and de-emphasizing coal exports. At that time, restructuring charges of $3,606 were recognized representing estimated severance costs related to the workforce reduction. At December 31, 2003, approximately 75%, or $2,720, of the employee termination benefits related to the program had been paid. The remaining restructuring obligation is recorded as Other Accrued Liabilities. Cash payments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 were $60 and $886, respectively. There were no other adjustments made to the restructuring liability in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2004. The restructuring liability was fully paid at September 30, 2004.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 8—INCOME TAXES:

 

The following is a reconciliation stated in dollars and as a percentage of pretax income, of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate:

 

   

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,


 
    2004

    2003

 
    Amount

    Percent

    Amount

    Percent

 

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

  $ 15,952     35.0 %   $ (4,967 )   35.0 %

Excess tax depletion

    (12,257 )   (26.9 )%     (19,698 )   138.8 %

Effect from sale of foreign companies

    (5,319 )   (11.7 )%     —       —    

Effect of Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003

    (2,665 )   (5.9 )%     —       —    

Net Effect of state tax

    3,269     7.2 %     (585 )   4.1 %

Net Effect of foreign tax

    (1,188 )   (2.6 )%     2,943     (20.7 )%

Other

    244     0.6 %     63     (0.4 )%
   


 

 


 

Income Tax Benefit / Effective Rate

  $ (1,964 )   (4.3 )%   $ (22,244 )   156.8 %
   


 

 


 

 

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was calculated using the combination of an annual effective rate projection on recurring earnings and a discrete tax calculation for the impact of the sale of CONSOL Energy’s wholly owned foreign companies. The effective rate is sensitive to changes in annual profitability, percentage depletion and the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The 2003 income tax benefit was determined using a discrete tax calculation for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. An annual effective rate was not applied to the nine-month results due to the sensitivity of the rate to small changes in forecasted income. In addition, the provision for income taxes is adjusted at the time the tax returns are filed to reflect changes in previously estimated amounts. These adjustments decreased income tax expense by $3,011 and $1,128 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These adjustments are included in Net Effect of foreign tax and Effect from sale of foreign companies for nine months ended September 30, 2004 and Other for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

 

NOTE 9—INVENTORIES:

 

The components of inventories consist of the following:

 

     September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Coal

   $ 28,958    $ 28,362

Merchandise for resale

     24,771      21,407

Supplies

     56,680      53,589
    

  

Total Inventories

   $ 110,409    $ 103,358
    

  

 

 

NOTE 10—ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION

 

In April 2003, CONSOL Energy and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries entered into a trade accounts receivable facility with financial institutions for the sale on a continuous basis of eligible trade accounts receivable. CONSOL Energy formed CNX Funding Corporation, a wholly owned, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary for the sole purpose of buying and selling eligible trade receivables generated by certain subsidiaries

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

of CONSOL Energy. Under the receivables facility, CONSOL Energy and certain subsidiaries, irrevocably and without recourse, sell all of their eligible trade accounts receivable to financial institutions and their affiliates, while maintaining a subordinated interest in a portion of the pool of trade receivables. CONSOL Energy will continue to service the sold trade receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services.

 

The receivables facility allows CONSOL Energy to receive, on a revolving basis, up to $125,000. The cost of funds is based upon commercial paper rates, plus a charge for administrative services paid to the financial institutions. Costs associated with the receivables facility totaled $583 and $1,822 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively. Costs associated with the receivables facility totaled $428 and $691 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. These costs have been recorded as financing fees, which are included in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges in the consolidated statements of income. No servicing asset or liability has been recorded. The receivables facility expires in 2006.

 

At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, eligible accounts receivable totaled approximately $122,400 and $108,600, respectively. The subordinated retained interest at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was approximately $20,100 and $600, respectively. Accounts receivable totaling $102,300 and $108,000 were removed from the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. CONSOL Energy reduced its accounts receivable securitization program utilization by $5,700 in the nine months ended September 30, 2004. This reduction is included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

The key economic assumptions used to measure the retained interest at the date of the securitization for all such sales completed in 2004 were a discount rate of 2.39% and an estimated life for eligible accounts receivable of 33 days. At September 30, 2004 an increase in the discount rate or estimated life of 10% and 20% would have reduced the fair value of the retained interest by $27 and $54, respectively. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10% variation in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this example, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the subordinated retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. Changes in any one factor may result in changes in others.

 

NOTE 11—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

 

 

     September 30,
2004


   December 31,
2003


Coal properties and surface lands

   $ 1,453,040    $ 1,006,345

Mineral Interests

     775,441      778,934

Plant & equipment

     3,113,299      3,487,219

Mine development

     401,293      363,912

Airshafts

     668,311      637,620
    

  

Total Gross

     6,411,384      6,274,030

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     3,250,075      3,212,523
    

  

Total net property, plant and equipment

   $ 3,161,309    $ 3,061,507
    

  

 

Leased coal interest and advance mining royalties, previously reported separately on the balance sheet as intangible assets, are reflected as mineral interests within property, plant and equipment in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-02, “Whether Mineral Rights Are Tangible or Intangible Assets”.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

NOTE 12—DEBT:

 

On June 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy completed a $600,000 senior secured credit facility to replace a previous facility of $266,750. The facility consists of a five-year $400,000 revolving credit facility and a six-year $200,000 Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility. Borrowings under the facility are secured by nearly all of the assets of the Company. Collateral has been provided to the banks and is shared equally and ratably with the holders of CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% bonds maturing in 2012 and CONSOL Energy’s subsidiary’s 8.25% medium-term notes maturing in 2007.

 

Funds may be borrowed under the revolving credit facility for periods of 1 to 180 days depending on the interest rate method chosen by CONSOL Energy. Interest is based, at its option, upon the Prime (Base) Rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a spread, which is dependent on CONSOL Energy’s credit rating. Borrowings under the facilities will be used for general corporate purposes of CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries, including working capital, capital expenditures and letter of credit needs. Cash collateralized letters of credit issued before the senior credit facility have been reissued under the Tranche B facility and $190,000 of restricted cash that previously served as collateral for the issuance of the letters of credit was released. The released cash was used to pay down short-term debt.

 

The $600,000 senior credit facility agreement has various covenants, including covenants that limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock and merge with another corporation. We are also required to maintain a ratio of financial covenant debt, as defined, to twelve month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 1.83 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of twelve months trailing EBITDA to cash interest expense of no less than 4.5 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 9.56 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. The facility also has covenants restricting the level of annual capital expenditures to be made by CONSOL Energy. The capital expenditure limit is $450,000, $550,000 and $550,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. For each fiscal year thereafter, the limit is $400,000. At September 30, 2004, the revolving credit facility had $45,000 of borrowings outstanding and $74,264 of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $280,736 of capacity available for borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 2004, the Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility had $200,000 of letters of credit outstanding and CONSOL Energy has reached the Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility’s capacity for issuance of letters of credit.

 

NOTE 13—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

CONSOL Energy has various purchase commitments for materials, supplies and items of permanent investment incidental to the ordinary conduct of business. Such commitments are not at prices in excess of current market values.

 

One of our subsidiaries, Fairmont Supply Company, which distributes industrial supplies, currently is named as a defendant in approximately 24,600 asbestos claims in state courts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Mississippi. Because a very small percentage of products manufactured by third parties and supplied by Fairmont in the past may have contained asbestos and many of the pending claims are part of mass complaints filed by hundreds of plaintiffs against a hundred or more defendants, it has been difficult for Fairmont to determine how many of the cases actually involve valid claims or plaintiffs who were actually exposed to asbestos-containing products supplied by Fairmont. In addition, while Fairmont may be entitled to indemnity or contribution in certain jurisdictions from manufacturers of identified products, the

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

availability of such indemnity or contribution is unclear at this time and, in recent years, some of the manufacturers named as defendants in these actions have sought protection from these claims under bankruptcy laws. Fairmont has no insurance coverage with respect to these asbestos cases. To date, payments by Fairmont with respect to asbestos cases have not been material. However, there cannot be any assurance that payments in the future with respect to pending or future asbestos cases will not be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

 

CONSOL Energy is subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes, and other claims and actions arising out of the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liabilities resulting from such pending lawsuits and claims will not materially affect the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy. In 1991, CONSOL Energy was named a potentially responsible party related to the Buckeye Landfill Superfund Site and accordingly recognized an estimated liability for remediation of this site of which $2,703 remained as of March 31, 2004. In April 2004, CONSOL Energy entered into an Environmental Liability Transfer and Indemnity Agreement that transferred our liability related to the Buckeye Landfill Superfund Site to another party. The transaction resulted in the reversal of the remaining liability and the recognition of $1,438 of income.

 

In January 2003, Mine 84, near Washington, Pennsylvania experienced a fire along several hundred feet of the conveyor belt servicing the longwall section of the mine. The fire was extinguished approximately two weeks later. On January 20, 2003, the mine resumed production on a limited basis with continuous mining machines, while repairs continued on the belt entry. The fire caused damage to the roof support system, conveyor belt and steel framework on which the belt travels. Repairs took several weeks to complete and total estimated costs are approximately $7,000, net of expected insurance recovery of approximately $2,800. Costs incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $6,500 and are primarily reflected in cost of goods sold and other charges, and the expected insurance recovery for damages is reflected in other receivables. Longwall coal production, which accounts for the majority of coal normally produced at the mine, resumed on February 10, 2003.

 

CONSOL Energy has filed insurance claims related to the damage incurred by this fire including claims under its business interruption policy. The claims process is lengthy and its outcome cannot be predicted with certainty. To date, no payments with respect to the Mine 84 fire have been received. No benefit for business interruption recovery have been recorded to date.

 

In February 2003, our Loveridge Mine experienced a fire near the bottom of the slope entry that is used to carry coal from the mine to the surface. The cost of extinguishing the fire was estimated to be approximately $20,000, net of expected insurance recovery of approximately $25,000. Costs to the Company are primarily reflected in the 2003 cost of goods sold and other charges, $20,033 of which is included in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, and expected insurance recovery for damages was reflected in other receivables. Insurance payments for damages of $25,000 have been received by CONSOL Energy as of September 30, 2004. In late December 2002, the mine began the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment that was expected to be installed later in 2003. The fire delayed this installation until March 2004.

 

On October 21, 2003, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of Seth Moorhead against CONSOL Energy, J. Brett Harvey and William J. Lyons. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act and that during the period between January 24, 2002, and

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

July 18, 2002, the defendants issued false and misleading statements to the public that failed to disclose or misrepresented the following, among other things that: (a) CONSOL utilized an aggressive approach regarding its spot market sales by reserving 20% of its production to that market, and that by increasing its exposure to the spot market, CONSOL Energy was subjecting itself to increased risk and uncertainty as the price and demand for coal could be volatile; (b) CONSOL Energy was experiencing difficulty selling the production that it had allocated to the spot market, and, nonetheless, CONSOL Energy maintained its production levels which caused its coal inventory to increase; (c) CONSOL Energy’s increasing coal inventory was causing its expenses to rise dramatically, thereby weakening the company’s financial condition; and (d) based on the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements regarding CONSOL Energy’s earnings and prospects were lacking in a reasonable basis at all times and therefore were materially false and misleading. The complaint asks the court to (1) award unspecified damages to plaintiff and (2) award plaintiff reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with this action, including counsel fees and expert fees. Two other class action complaints have purportedly been filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against CONSOL Energy and certain officers and directors. CONSOL Energy has not yet been served with either purported complaint. CONSOL Energy management believes these claims are without merit, and, accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability associated with these claims.

 

CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries have provided the following financial guarantees. CONSOL Energy management believes that these guarantees will expire without being funded, and therefore, the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on financial condition. The fair values of all liabilities associated with these guarantees have been properly recorded and reported in the financial statements at September 30, 2004.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Guarantee


   Term

   Maximum
Payments


Reclamation Surety Bonds (a)

   Various    $ 264,688

Workers’ Compensation Surety Bonds (b)

   Various      186,678

1992 Benefit Plan Letter of Credit (c)

   10/2002 -10/2004      155,484

Gas Sales Agreements (d)

   Various      130,213

Ohio Power Company (e)

   6/1993 -6/2006      107,310

Longwall Lease Agreements (f)

   Various      85,601

Workers’ Compensation Letters of Credit (g)

   Various      76,998

Federal Black Lung Surety Bonds (h)

   Various      65,800

Ginger Hills Synfuels, LLC (i)

   1/2003 -12/2007      51,060

Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (j)

   5/2000 -12/2006      47,414

1992 Benefit Plan Surety Bond (k)

   8/1999 -8/2005      46,569

Gas Hedging Agreements (l)

   Various      27,396

Monongahela Power (m)

   3/1969 -12/2005      27,734

Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. (n)

   1/2004 -1/2005      19,214

West Penn Power Company (o)

   7/1967 -12/2004      11,900

Environmental Liabilities Letters of Credit (p)

   Various      10,855

Miscellaneous Surety Bonds (q)

   Various      9,210

Ontario Power Generation, Inc. (r)

   1/2005 -12/2006      7,275

Zurich American Insurance (s)

   11/2003 -11/2004      7,000

Duke Energy Corporation (t)

   2/2003 -12/2004      3,581

Key Corp Leasing (u)

   7/2001 -12/2011      2,851

Ontario Power Generation, Inc. (v)

   1/2004 -12/2006      2,794

The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co. (w)

   1/2005 -12/2005      2,625

Court Bonds (x)

   Various      2,527

Ontario Power Generation, Inc. (y)

   10/2003 -12/2004      1,890

Hooks Industrial (z)

   2/2004 -2/2005      1,800

Reliant Energy (aa)

   12/2002 -12/2005      1,575

Centimark Corp. (bb)

   8/2000 -7/2008      1,176

Orion Power (cc)

   12/2003 -12/2006      800

Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC (dd)

   4/2004 -4/2005      750

Ontario Power Generation, Inc. (ee)

   10/2003 -12/2004      666

Orion Power (ff)

   12/2002 -12/2005      635

Highmark Life & Casualty (gg)

   5/2003 -5/2005      500

Travelers Casualty & Surety Co. (hh)

   4/2004 -4/2005      450

Lumbermens Mutual (ii)

   10/2003 -11/2004      253

Allegheny Energy Supply Co. (jj)

   3/2004 -3/2005      152

LABAR Co. (kk)

   4/1999 -3/2005      63

Henry Berdine (ll)

   4/2004 -4/2005      9
         

Total Guarantees

        $ 1,361,297
         


(a) A number of CONSOL Energy subsidiaries have obtained surety bonds related to reclamation and subsidence obligations, which guarantee the performance of these obligations related to reclamation and subsidence.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

(b) CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries, at various times throughout the year, have obtained surety bonds related to workers’ compensation obligations. These bonds are necessary because CONSOL Energy is self insured for workers’ compensation. The bonds will be called if CONSOL Energy or any of its subsidiaries fails to pay workers’ compensation claims.

 

(c) On October 15, 2002, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy arranged for the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of the 1992 Benefit Plan. This letter of credit will be drawn upon if the subsidiary fails to pay the claims related to this plan.

 

(d) Certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have entered into gas sales agreements in which CONSOL Energy guarantees the delivery of a specific quantity of fixed price gas for the duration of the contract. These agreements include the following:

 

1. CNX Gas Company LLC, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, has an agreement with CONOCO/Phillips Inc. that guarantees the physical delivery of CNX Gas Company LLC production through December 31, 2005. CONSOL Energy has guaranteed any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC related to this sales agreement, up to $60,000.

 

2. CONSOL Energy has an agreement with Dominion Field Services to guarantee any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC and Greene Energy, subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy, pursuant to their gas sales agreements with Dominion Field Services. The maximum undiscounted future payments required pursuant to the agreement to be made by these subsidiaries at September 30, 2004 are as follows: (a) CNX Gas Company LLC—$36,000, and (b) Greene Energy—$3,000.

 

3. CONSOL Energy has an agreement with AEP Energy Services to unconditionally guarantee the full and prompt payment of all obligations, up to $15,000, of CNX Gas Company LLC, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, arising from AEP Energy Services’ purchase, sale or exchange of energy services or energy related commodities with respect to the sales agreement between CNX Gas Company LLC and AEP Energy Services.

 

4. CONSOL Energy guarantees the delivery of specific quantities of gas by CNX Gas Company LLC through May 7, 2022. If our subsidiary fails to deliver the volume specified in the contract, CONSOL Energy is obligated to pay a deficiency charge, for each day delivery is not made, equal to the undelivered volumes times the daily price of gas.

 

5. CNX Gas Company LLC, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, has an agreement dated September 30, 2004 with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) that guarantees the prompt and complete payment of all obligations and amounts owed to BGE related to the purchase and/or sale of natural gas. CONSOL Energy has guaranteed any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC related to this agreement, up to $3,000. The guaranty will continue in force until thirty days prior written notice is given by CONSOL Energy.

 

6. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the agreement dated May 26, 2004 between CNX Gas Company LLC and Equitable Energy, LLC, relating to the purchases and/or trades of natural gas and/or natural gas products, electric energy or capacity, financial derivatives or related contracts. CONSOL Energy has guaranteed any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC related to this agreement, up to $10,000. The guaranty will continue in force until thirty days prior written notice is given by CONSOL Energy.

 

7. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the agreement dated April 14, 2004 between CNX Gas Company LLC and Columbia Gas Transmission Corp., relating to the transportation of natural gas or

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

other services rendered and to be rendered on present or future orders on credit from Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. CONSOL Energy has guaranteed any unpaid obligations of CNX Gas Company LLC related to this agreement, in an amount of $535 per month from May 2004-October 2004, or approximately $3,213. The guaranty shall continue in full force and effect until April 14, 2005, and year-to-year thereafter unless terminated at any time by CONSOL Energy.

 

(e) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated June 3, 1993 between several of its subsidiaries and Ohio Power Company. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(f) CONSOL Energy’s subsidiaries have entered into various longwall equipment leases. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of these agreements and promises full and timely payment to the lessors if the subsidiaries should fail to perform the obligations of the agreements. The individual guarantees are as follows: CG Commercial/GESF-F Inc. $24,234; PNC Leasing, LLC $22,371; LaSalle National Leasing Corp. $17,552; Orix Financial Services $12,257; U.S. Bancorp $9,187.

 

(g) CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries obtained the issuance of various letters of credit related to CONSOL Energy’s self-insurance program for workers’ compensation. If CONSOL Energy, or any of these subsidiaries, fails to pay the workers’ compensation claims, the beneficiary will draw on the letter of credit. At September 30, 2004, the individual guarantees are as follows: WestVirginia Workers’ Compensation Division $50,477; Illinois Industrial Commission $10,225; Old Republic Insurance $6,403; Commonwealth of Kentucky $5,443; Travelers Casualty & Surety Company $3,000; U.S. Department of Labor $2,150; Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission $100.

 

(h) CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries have obtained surety bonds related to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). These bonds are necessary as a result of CONSOL Energy being self insured for coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, and will be called if CONSOL Energy or any of its subsidiaries fails to pay coal workers’ pneumoconiosis claims.

 

(i) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated January 15, 2003 between one of its subsidiaries and Ginger Hill Synfuels, LLC. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of its subsidiary with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(j) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated May 22, 2000 between several of its subsidiaries and Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(k) On August 27, 1999, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained a surety bond related to the 1992 Benefit Plan obligations. This surety bond will be drawn upon if the subsidiary fails to pay the claims related to this plan.

 

(l) CONSOL Energy has entered into various swap agreements that cover the gas derivative hedging activity of CNX Gas Company LLC. The parties to the individual agreements are as follows: Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc. $23,760; Citibank $3,636.

 

(m) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated March 1, 1969 between one of its subsidiaries and Monogahela Power. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(n) On January 8, 2004, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Travelers Casualty & Surety Company. This letter of credit is to serve as collateral for certain surety bonds and will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy fails to make the payments related to these bonds.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

(o) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated July 3, 1967 between several of its subsidiaries and West Penn Power Company. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this agreement.

 

(p) CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries obtained the issuance of various letters of credit related to CONSOL Energy’s environmental liabilities. Should CONSOL Energy, or any of these subsidiaries, fail to perform the obligations related to these projects, the guarantee will draw on the letter of credit. The individual guarantees are as follows: Pennsylvania Department of Protection $5,099; Pennsylvania Department of Transportation $5,000; Commonwealth of Kentucky $709; Commonwealth of Virginia $47.

 

(q) Several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have issued miscellaneous surety bonds, primarily water quality bonds and road bonds. CONSOL Energy guarantees the performance of these obligations by its subsidiaries.

 

(r) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated January 1, 2005 between several of its subsidiaries and Ontario Power Generation, Inc. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(s) On November 19, 2003, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Zurich American Insurance Company. Zurich American processes and pays insurance claims and then bills CONSOL Energy for reimbursement. This letter of credit will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy fails to reimburse Zurich American for these payments.

 

(t) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated February 1, 2003 between several of its subsidiaries and Duke Energy Corporation. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from this Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(u) A CONSOL Energy subsidiary entered into an agreement on July 1, 2001 with Key Corp. Leasing to lease open top coal hopper railcars. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of this agreement and promises prompt and full payment to Key Corp. Leasing upon the failure of the subsidiary to satisfy the obligations of the agreement.

 

(v) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated January 1, 2004 between one of its subsidiaries and Ontario Power Generation, Inc. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of its subsidiary arising from this agreement.

 

(w) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated January 1, 2005 between one of its subsidiaries and The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(x) Several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy have issued court bonds related to court proceedings in which they are involved. These bonds would be called if any of the subsidiaries file bankruptcy while the proceedings still exist and are unresolved. The bonds will be released by the court when the proceedings conclude.

 

(y) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated October 1, 2003 between several of its subsidiaries and Ontario Power Generation, Inc. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of its subsidiaries arising from the Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(z) On February 27, 2004, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Hooks Industrial. This letter of credit is related to pending litigation and will be drawn upon if the court does not rule in favor of the CONSOL Energy subsidiary.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

(aa) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated December 17, 2002 between several of its subsidiaries and Reliant Energy Mid-Atlantic Power Holdings, LLC. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this Coal Supply Agreement.

 

(bb) A subsidiary of CONSOL Energy entered into an agreement to lease office space from Centimark Corporation on August 1, 2000. In connection with this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees full and timely performance of all obligations of the subsidiary to Centimark, in relation to this lease agreement.

 

(cc) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated December 22, 2003 between several of its subsidiaries and Orion Power MidWest, L.P. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and faithful performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this agreement.

 

(dd) On April 28, 2004, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC. This letter of credit is to serve as collateral for a purchase agreement entered into between CONSOL Energy and Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC. This letter of credit will be called upon if CONSOL Energy fails to perform its obligation.

 

(ee) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated October 1, 2003 between several of its subsidiaries and Ontario Power Generation, Inc. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and timely performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this agreement.

 

(ff) CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of the Coal Supply Agreement dated December 17, 2002 between several of its subsidiaries and Orion Power MidWest, LP. Under this agreement, CONSOL Energy guarantees the full and timely performance of all obligations of these subsidiaries with respect to this agreement.

 

(gg) On May 1, 2003, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Highmark Life and Casualty to support medical payments under various CONSOL Energy medical benefit programs. CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are self-insured for obligations under these programs. Highmark processes and pays claims under the CONSOL Energy medical benefits programs and then bills CONSOL Energy for reimbursement. The letter of credit will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy or its subsidiary fails to reimburse Highmark for these payments.

 

(hh) On April 27, 2004, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Travelers Casualty and Surety Company. This letter of credit is to serve as 50% collateral for a Supersedeas bond for a Warn Act notice lawsuit. This letter of credit will be called upon if the subsidiary fails to fulfill the obligation of the required court bond.

 

(ii) On October 30, 2003, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Lumbermens Mutual. Lumbermens Mutual processes and pays insurance claims and then bills CONSOL Energy, which is self-insured, for reimbursement. The letter of credit will be drawn upon if CONSOL Energy fails to reimburse Lumbermens Mutual for these payments.

 

(jj) On March 3, 2004, CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Allegheny Energy Supply Co. This letter of credit is related to an expansion of the Buchanan Generation substation, which is a joint venture project between CONSOL Energy and Allegheny Energy Supply. Allegheny Energy Supply, which owns the substation, may be liable to American Electric Power for additional taxes because of the increase in the assessed asset value of the substation. This letter of credit represents CONSOL Energy’s 50% portion of any additional taxes due and will be drawn upon if Allegheny Energy Supply is forced to reimburse American Electric Power for these additional taxes.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

(kk) On April 1, 1999, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy entered into an agreement with Alaska Supply Chain Integrators (ASCI) to lease warehouse space from LABAR Co. CONSOL Energy guarantees prompt payment of all amounts due under the lease in the event of default by the subsidiary.

 

(ll) On April 2, 2004, a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy obtained the issuance of a letter of credit for the benefit of Henry Berdine. This letter of credit is related to a court order for reclamation work related to water loss. CONSOL Energy is the guarantor of this obligation and promises prompt and full payment to Henry Berdine if the subsidiary fails to satisfy the obligation.

 

NOTE 14—FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Restricted Cash: The carrying amount reported in the December 31, 2003 balance sheet for restricted cash approximated its fair value. Restricted cash was invested in highly liquid securities to support requirements of long-term letters of credit.

 

Short-term notes payable: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for short-term notes payable approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

Current and Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on CONSOL Energy’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

Capital Leases: At December 31, 2003, the fair values of capital leases are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. There were no outstanding balances owed under capital leases at September 30, 2004.

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, excluding derivative financial instruments disclosed in Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk, are as follows:

 

     September 30, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     Carrying
Amount


    Fair Value

    Carrying
Amount


    Fair Value

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,629     $ 12,629     $ 6,513     $ 6,513  

Restricted cash

   $ —       $ —       $ 190,918     $ 190,918  

Short-term notes payable

   $ (45,000 )   $ (45,000 )   $ (68,760 )   $ (68,760 )

Long-term debt

   $ (428,483 )   $ (464,437 )   $ (490,504 )   $ (512,215 )

Capital Leases

   $ —       $ —       $ (4,738 )   $ (4,742 )

 

NOTE 15—SEGMENT INFORMATION:

 

CONSOL Energy has two principal business units: Coal and Gas. The principal activities of the Coal unit are mining, preparation and marketing of steam coal, sold primarily to power generators, and metallurgical coal, sold to metal and coke producers. The Coal unit includes four reportable segments. These reportable segments

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

are Northern Appalachian, Central Appalachian, Metallurgical and Other Coal. Each of these reportable segments includes a number of operating segments (mines). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Northern Appalachian aggregated segment includes the following mines: Shoemaker, Blacksville #2, Robinson Run, McElroy, Loveridge, Bailey, Enlow Fork and Mine 84. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Central Appalachian aggregated segment includes the following mines: Jones Fork, Mill Creek and Wiley-Mill Creek. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Metallurgical aggregated segment includes the following mines: Buchanan, Amonate and V.P. #8. The Other Coal segment includes the Company’s purchased coal activities, idled mine cost, coal segment business units not meeting aggregation criteria, as well as various other activities assigned to the coal segment but not allocated to individual mines. The principal activity of the Gas unit is to produce pipeline quality methane gas for sale primarily to gas wholesalers. CONSOL Energy’s All Other segment includes terminal services, river and dock services, industrial supply services and other business activities, including rentals of buildings and flight operations. The segment information presented for prior periods has been restated to be consistent with the information presented for the current period.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Industry segment results for the three months ended September 30, 2004:

 

    Northern
Appalachian


    Central
Appalachian


    Metallurgical

    Other
Coal


    Total Coal

    Gas

  All Other

    Corporate
Adjustments &
Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

  $ 331,802     $ 50,397     $ 62,603     $ 28,046     $ 472,848     $ 118,229   $ 26,661     $ —       $ 617,738  

Freight—outside

    —         —         —         21,232       21,232       —       —         —         21,232  

Intersegment transfers

    —         —         —         —         —         870     23,917       (24,787 )     —    
   


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

  $ 331,802     $ 50,397     $ 62,603     $ 49,278     $ 494,080     $ 119,099   $ 50,578     $ (24,787 )   $ 638,970  
   


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ (10,256 )   $ (2,387 )   $ (187 )   $ (22,088 )   $ (34,918 )   $ 28,731   $ (7,647 )   $ (4,532 )   $ (18,366 )(A)
   


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Segment asset

                                  $ 2,748,904     $ 684,719   $ 206,563     $ 527,393     $ 4,167,579 (B)
                                   


 

 


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                                  $ 51,307     $ 8,383   $ 3,325     $ —       $ 63,015  
                                   


 

 


 


 


Capital Expenditures

                                  $ 70,703     $ 22,248   $ 1,546     $ —       $ 94,497  
                                   


 

 


 


 



(A) Includes equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates of $(225) and $(331) for Gas and All Other, respectively.
(B) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $20,189 and $26,350 for Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $26,006 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax resolution.

 

Industry segment results for the three months ended September 30, 2003:

 

    Northern
Appalachian


  Central
Appalachian


    Metallurgical

    Other
Coal


    Total Coal

    Gas

  All Other

    Corporate
Adjustments &
Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

  $ 295,809   $ 48,164     $ 67,551     $ 30,658     $ 442,182     $ 50,707   $ 18,682     $ —       $ 511,571  

Freight—outside

    —       —         —         27,329       27,329       —       —         —         27,329  

Intersegment transfers

    —       —         —         —         —         708     21,745       (22,453 )     —    
   

 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

  $ 295,809   $ 48,164     $ 67,551     $ 57,987     $ 469,511     $ 51,415   $ 40,427     $ (22,453 )   $ 538,900  
   

 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ 18,985   $ (1,881 )   $ (1,789 )   $ (39,897 )   $ (24,582 )   $ 17,215   $ (4,797 )   $ (6,236 )   $ (18,400 )(C)
   

 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


Segment asset

                                $ 2,844,990     $ 534,995   $ 189,323     $ 732,030     $ 4,301,338 (D)
                                 


 

 


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                                $ 48,498     $ 9,340   $ 3,278     $ —       $ 61,116  
                                 


 

 


 


 


Capital Expenditures

                                $ 58,106     $ 15,930   $ 1,510     $ —       $ 75,546  
                                 


 

 


 


 



(C) Includes equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates of $(792), $(217) and $1,525 for Other Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.
(D) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $39,599, $17,647 and $28,759 for Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $26,006 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax resolution.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Industry segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2004:

 

    Northern
Appalachian


  Central
Appalachian


    Metallurgical

  Other
Coal


    Total Coal

    Gas

  All Other

    Corporate
Adjustments &
Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

  $ 1,062,921   $ 163,021     $ 185,215   $ 73,265     $ 1,484,422     $ 271,876   $ 75,903     $ —       $ 1,832,201  

Freight—outside

    —       —         —       82,275       82,275       —       164       —         82,439  

Intersegment transfers

    —       —         —       —         —         2,654     73,401       (76,055 )     —    
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

  $ 1,062,921   $ 163,021     $ 185,215   $ 155,540     $ 1,566,697     $ 274,530   $ 149,468     $ (76,055 )   $ 1,914,640  
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ 67,211   $ (542 )   $ 1,658   $ (78,656 )   $ (10,329 )   $ 96,374   $ (3,040 )   $ (37,428 )   $ 45,577 (E)
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Segment asset

                              $ 2,748,904     $ 684,719   $ 206,563     $ 527,393     $ 4,167,579 (F)
                               


 

 


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                              $ 150,012     $ 24,183   $ 10,015     $ —       $ 184,210  
                               


 

 


 


 


Capital Expenditures

                              $ 238,783     $ 57,552   $ 2,759     $ —       $ 299,094  
                               


 

 


 


 



(E) Includes equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates of $(2,733), $(521) and $(697) for Other Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.
(F) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $20,189 and $26,350 for Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $26,006 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax resolution.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Industry segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2003:

 

    Northern
Appalachian


  Central
Appalachian


    Metallurgical

  Other
Coal


    Total Coal

    Gas

  All Other

    Corporate
Adjustments &
Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Sales—outside

  $ 899,549   $ 145,721     $ 188,436   $ 85,549     $ 1,319,255     $ 153,232   $ 56,879     $ —       $ 1,529,366  

Sales—related party

    —       1,267       102     —         1,369       —       —         —         1,369  

Freight—outside

    —       —         —       84,791       84,791       —       146       —         84,937  

Freight—related party

    —       —         —       562       562       —       —         —         562  

Intersegment transfers

    —       —         —       —         —         2,493     68,611       (71,104 )     —    
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Total Sales and Freight

  $ 899,549   $ 146,988     $ 188,538   $ 170,902     $ 1,405,977     $ 155,725   $ 125,636     $ (71,104 )   $ 1,616,234  
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ 81,281   $ (163 )   $ 9,080   $ (114,824 )   $ (24,626 )   $ 50,472   $ (16,017 )   $ (24,020 )   $ (14,191 )(G)
   

 


 

 


 


 

 


 


 


Segment asset

                              $ 2,844,990     $ 534,995   $ 189,323     $ 732,030     $ 4,301,338 (H)
                               


 

 


 


 


Depreciation, depletion and amortization

                              $ 147,248     $ 27,963   $ 8,904     $ —       $ 184,115  
                               


 

 


 


 


Capital Expenditures

                              $ 140,853     $ 42,842   $ 2,571     $ —       $ 186,266  
                               


 

 


 


 



(G) Includes equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates of $(4,223), $(823) and $485 for Other Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.
(H) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $39,599 $17,647 and $28,759 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $26,006 of receivables related to the Export Sales Excise Tax resolution.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Amounts:

 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes:

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended September 30,


    For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Segment earnings (loss) before income taxes for total reportable business segments

   $ (6,187 )   $ (7,367 )   $ 86,045     $ 25,846  

Segment earnings (loss) before income taxes for all other businesses

     (7,647 )     (4,797 )     (3,040 )     (16,017 )

Incentive compensation

     4,883       4,093       (10,464 )     —    

Compensation from restricted stock unit grants

     (429 )     —         (715 )     —    

Other post employee benefit curtailment gain

     —         —         3,454       —    

Interest income (expense), net and other non-operating activity

     (8,986 )     (10,329 )     (29,703 )     (24,020 )
    


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

   $ (18,366 )   $ (18,400 )   $ 45,577     $ (14,191 )
    


 


 


 


 

     September 30,

     2004

   2003

Total Assets:

             

Segment assets for total reportable business segments

   $ 3,433,623    $ 3,379,985

Segment assets for all other businesses

     206,563      189,323

Items excluded from segment assets:

             

Cash and other investments

     13,169      170,488

Restricted Cash

     —        918

Deferred tax assets

     486,771      522,466

Recoverable income taxes

     24,418      35,141

Intangible asset—overfunded pension plan

     468      55

Bond issuance costs

     2,567      2,962
    

  

Total Consolidated Assets

   $ 4,167,579    $ 4,301,338
    

  

 

NOTE 16—GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

The payment obligations under the $250,000 7.875 percent Notes due 2012 issued by CONSOL Energy in 2002 are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. In accordance with positions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following financial information sets forth separate financial information with respect to the parent, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and certain intercompany balances and transactions. CONSOL Energy, the parent, and a guarantor subsidiary manage several assets and liabilities of all of their subsidiaries. For example, these include deferred tax assets, cash and other post-employment liabilities. These assets and liabilities are reflected as parent company or guarantor company amounts for purposes of this presentation.

 

26


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Income Statement for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

    Consolidated

 

Sales—Outside

   $ —       $ 597,093     $ 20,645     $ —       $ 617,738  

Freight—Outside

     —         21,232       —         —         21,232  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     (6,608 )     14,968       4,757       7,789       20,906  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

     (6,608 )     633,293       25,402       7,789       659,876  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     (25 )     506,221       48,986       (32,421 )     522,761  

Intercompany Activity

     (73 )     (11,551 )     (21,624 )     33,248       —    

Freight Expense

     —         21,232       —         —         21,232  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —         17,942       249       —         18,191  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     1,489       61,274       252       —         63,015  

Interest Expense

     4,756       1,505       10       —         6,271  

Taxes Other Than Income

     788       45,589       395       —         46,772  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Costs

     6,935       642,212       28,268       827       678,242  
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (13,543 )     (8,919 )     (2,866 )     6,962       (18,366 )

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (1,969 )     (3,820 )     (1,003 )     —         (6,792 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ (11,574 )   $ (5,099 )   $ (1,863 )   $ 6,962     $ (11,574 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

27


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Balance Sheet at September 30, 2004:

 

    Parent

  Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

  Elimination

    Consolidated

Assets:

                                 

Current Assets:

                                 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $ 8,596   $ 342     $ 3,691   $ —       $ 12,629

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

                                 

Trade

    —       513       114,512     —         115,025

Other

    4,115     57,597       3,270     —         64,982

Inventories

    206     84,831       25,372     —         110,409

Deferred Income Taxes

    136,392     —         —       —         136,392

Recoverable Income Taxes

    24,418     —         —       —         24,418

Prepaid Expenses

    13,596     23,123       502     —         37,221
   

 


 

 


 

Total Current Assets

    187,323     166,406       147,347     —         501,076

Property, Plant and Equipment:

                                 

Property, Plant and Equipment

    99,430     6,286,871       25,083     —         6,411,384

Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

    51,490     3,178,729       19,856     —         3,250,075
   

 


 

 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

    47,940     3,108,142       5,227     —         3,161,309

Other Assets:

                                 

Deferred Income Taxes

    350,379     —         —       —         350,379

Investment in Affiliates

    1,519,937     29,393       —       (1,502,791 )     46,539

Other

    24,550     83,684       42     —         108,276
   

 


 

 


 

Total Other Assets

    1,894,866     113,077       42     (1,502,791 )     505,194
   

 


 

 


 

Total Assets

  $ 2,130,129   $ 3,387,625     $ 152,616   $ (1,502,791 )   $ 4,167,579
   

 


 

 


 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                                 

Current Liabilities:

                                 

Accounts Payable

  $ 100,092   $ 23,383     $ 18,056   $ —       $ 141,531

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)-
Related Parties

    1,150,753     (1,262,261 )     111,508     —         —  

Short-Term Notes Payable

    45,000     —         —       —         45,000

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

    —       3,831       —       —         3,831

Other Accrued Liabilities

    83,644     457,561       4,185     —         545,390
   

 


 

 


 

Total Current Liabilities

    1,379,489     (777,486 )     133,749     —         735,752

Long-Term Debt:

    248,468     176,184       —       —         424,652

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

                                 

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

    —       1,517,697       —       —         1,517,697

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

    —       431,056       —       —         431,056

Mine Closing

    —       306,481       —       —         306,481

Workers’ Compensation

    40     135,016             —         135,056

Deferred Revenue

    —       54,311       —       —         54,311

Salary Retirement

    60,398     14       —       —         60,412

Reclamation

    —       6,495       —       —         6,495

Other

    56,649     53,384       549     —         110,582
   

 


 

 


 

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    117,087     2,504,454       549     —         2,622,090

Stockholders’ Equity

    385,085     1,484,473       18,318     (1,502,791 )     385,085
   

 


 

 


 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 2,130,129   $ 3,387,625     $ 152,616   $ (1,502,791 )   $ 4,167,579
   

 


 

 


 

 

28


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

   Consolidated

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

   $ (82,416 )   $ 90,240     $ (128 )   $ —      $ 7,696  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                       

Capital Expenditures

   $ (2,993 )   $ (91,504 )   $ —       $ —      $ (94,497 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     —         (10 )     (171 )     —        (181 )

Other Investing Activities

     —         1,576       271       —        1,847  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities

   $ (2,993 )   $ (89,938 )   $ 100     $ —      $ (92,831 )
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                       

Payments on Short-Term Debt

   $ 45,000     $ —       $ —       $ —      $ 45,000  

Payments on Long-Term Notes

     —         —         —         —        —    

Dividends Paid

     (12,637 )     —         —         —        (12,637 )

Withdrawal from Restricted Cash

     918       —         —         —        918  

Other Financing Activities

     4,552       (197 )     —         —        4,355  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   $ 37,833     $ (197 )   $ —       $ —      $ 37,636  
    


 


 


 

  


 

29


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Income Statement for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

    Consolidated

 

Sales—Outside

   $ —       $ 495,727     $ 15,844     $ —       $ 511,571  

Freight—Outside

     —         27,329       —         —         27,329  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     (1,039 )     7,608       2,894       3,797       13,260  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

     (1,039 )     530,664       18,738       3,797       552,160  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     (810 )     420,593       25,942       (30,647 )     415,078  

Intercompany Activity

     (51 )     (12,271 )     (18,577 )     30,899       —    

Freight Expense

     —         27,329       —         —         27,329  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —         19,489       729       —         20,218  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     1,257       59,592       267       —         61,116  

Interest Expense

     5,179       2,631       226       —         8,036  

Taxes Other Than Income

     945       37,438       400       —         38,783  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Costs

     6,520       554,801       8,987       252       570,560  
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     (7,559 )     (24,137 )     9,751       3,545       (18,400 )

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (1,664 )     (12,581 )     1,740       —         (12,505 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ (5,895 )   $ (11,556 )   $ 8,011     $ 3,545     $ (5,895 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

30


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Balance Sheet at December 31, 2003:

 

    Parent

  Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

  Elimination

    Consolidated

Assets:

                                 

Current Assets:

                                 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $ 5,173   $ 347     $ 993   $ —       $ 6,513

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

                                 

Trade

    —       418       89,553     —         89,971

Other

    916     87,327       3,158     —         91,401

Inventories

    174     80,021       23,163     —         103,358

Deferred Income Taxes

    125,938     —         —       —         125,938

Recoverable Income Taxes

    20,257     —         —       —         20,257

Prepaid Expenses

    6,094     26,781       527     —         33,402
   

 


 

 


 

Total Current Assets

    158,552     194,894       117,394     —         470,840

Property, Plant and Equipment:

                                 

Property, Plant and Equipment

    98,208     6,151,180       24,642     —         6,274,030

Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

    46,585     3,146,711       19,227     —         3,212,523
   

 


 

 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

    51,623     3,004,469       5,415     —         3,061,507

Other Assets:

                                 

Deferred Income Taxes

    409,090     —         —       —         409,090

Investment in Affiliates

    1,318,921     27,640       38,108     (1,299,791 )     84,878

Restricted Cash

    190,000     918       —       —         190,918

Other

    4,039     92,478       5,228     —         101,745
   

 


 

 


 

Total Other Assets

    1,922,050     121,036       43,336     (1,299,791 )     786,631
   

 


 

 


 

Total Assets

  $ 2,132,225   $ 3,320,399     $ 166,145   $ (1,299,791 )   $ 4,318,978
   

 


 

 


 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

                                 

Current Liabilities:

                                 

Accounts Payable

  $ 82,458   $ 32,867     $ 19,447   $ —       $ 134,772

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)-
Related Parties

    1,246,783     (1,345,508 )     98,725     —         —  

Short-Term Notes Payable

    65,000     —         3,760     —         68,760

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

    —       53,330       —       —         53,330

Other Accrued Liabilities

    55,789     508,821       3,127     —         567,737
   

 


 

 


 

Total Current Liabilities

    1,450,030     (750,490 )     125,059     —         824,599

Long-Term Debt:

    248,314     176,348       17,250     —         441,912

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

                                 

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

    —       1,494,615       —       —         1,494,615

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

    —       441,076       —       —         441,076

Mine Closing

    —       312,208       —       —         312,208

Workers’ Compensation

    1,433     254,352       —       —         255,785

Deferred Revenue

    —       61,673       —       —         61,673

Salary Retirement

    79,453     92       —       —         79,545

Reclamation

    —       14,480       —       —         14,480

Other

    62,358     31,015       9,075     —         102,448
   

 


 

 


 

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    143,244     2,609,511       9,075     —         2,761,830

Stockholders’ Equity

    290,637     1,285,030       14,761     (1,299,791 )     290,637
   

 


 

 


 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 2,132,225   $ 3,320,399     $ 166,145   $ (1,299,791 )   $ 4,318,978
   

 


 

 


 

 

31


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2003:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

   Consolidated

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   $ 6,462     $ 68,856     $ 2,549     $ —      $ 77,867  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                       

Capital Expenditures

   $ (2,690 )   $ (72,856 )   $ —       $ —      $ (75,546 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     —         (37 )     (3,879 )     —        (3,916 )

Other Investing Activities

     —         3,829       —         —        3,829  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   $ (2,690 )   $ (69,064 )   $ (3,879 )   $ —      $ (75,633 )
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                       

Payments on Short-Term Borrowings

   $ (24,999 )   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ (24,999 )

Proceeds from Long-Term Notes

     —         —         750              750  

Dividends Paid

     (11,019 )     —         —         —        (11,019 )

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

     189,552       —         —         —        189,552  

Deposit to Restricted Cash

     (918 )     —         —         —        (918 )

Other Financing Activities

     337       173       41       —        551  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

   $ 152,953     $ 173     $ 791     $ —      $ 153,917  
    


 


 


 

  


 

32


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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Income Statement for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

    Consolidated

 

Sales—Outside

   $ —       $ 1,771,854     $ 60,347     $ —       $ 1,832,201  

Freight—Outside

     —         82,275       164       —         82,439  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     164,761       41,497       11,565       (147,148 )     70,675  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

     164,761       1,895,626       72,076       (147,148 )     1,985,315  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     18,376       1,394,274       138,530       (99,088 )     1,452,092  

Intercompany Activity

     (388 )     (39,532 )     (66,049 )     105,969       —    

Freight Expense

     —         82,275       164       —         82,439  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —         52,965       1,086       —         54,051  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     4,595       180,702       767       (1,854 )     184,210  

Interest Expense

     17,843       5,718       92       —         23,653  

Taxes Other Than Income

     2,671       139,457       1,165       —         143,293  
    


 


 


 


 


Total Costs

     43,097       1,815,859       75,755       5,027       1,939,738  
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     121,664       79,767       (3,679 )     (152,175 )     45,577  

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (9,250 )     8,574       (1,288 )     —         (1,964 )
    


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     130,914       71,193       (2,391 )     (152,175 )     47,541  

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Workers’ Compensation Liability, net of Income Taxes of $53,080

     —         83,373       —         —         83,373  
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ 130,914     $ 154,566     $ (2,391 )   $ (152,175 )   $ 130,914  
    


 


 


 


 


 

33


Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004:

 

    Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

  Consolidated

 

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

  $ (143,531 )   $ 334,151     $ 4,713     $ —     $ 195,333  
   


 


 


 

 


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                     

Capital Expenditures

  $ (7,688 )   $ (291,406 )   $ —       $ —     $ (299,094 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

    —         (506 )     (2,286 )     —       (2,792 )

Other Investing Activities

    11,000       7,291       271       —       18,562  
   


 


 


 

 


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

  $ 3,312     $ (284,621 )   $ (2,015 )   $ —     $ (283,324 )
   


 


 


 

 


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                     

Payments on Short-Term Debt

  $ (20,000 )   $ —       $ —       $ —     $ (20,000 )

Payments on Long-Term Notes

    —         (45,000 )     —         —       (45,000 )

Dividends Paid

    (37,811 )     —         —         —       (37,811 )

Withdrawal from Restricted Cash

    190,918       —         —         —       190,918  

Other Financing Activities

    10,535       (4,535 )     —         —       6,000  
   


 


 


 

 


Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

  $ 143,642     $ (49,535 )   $ —       $ —     $ 94,107  
   


 


 


 

 


 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Income Statement for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003:

 

    Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

    Consolidated

 

Sales—Outside

  $ —       $ 1,480,189     $ 49,177     $ —       $ 1,529,366  

Sales—Related Parties

    —         1,369       —         —         1,369  

Freight—Outside

    —         84,722       215       —         84,937  

Freight—Related Parties

    —         562       —         —         562  

Other Income (including equity earnings)

    35,368       27,960       15,688       (26,763 )     52,253  
   


 


 


 


 


Total Revenue and Other Income

    35,368       1,594,802       65,080       (26,763 )     1,668,487  

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

    9,617       1,194,327       112,251       (109,555 )     1,206,640  

Intercompany Activity

    227       (56,474 )     (59,876 )     116,123       —    

Freight Expense

    —         85,284       215       —         85,499  

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

    —         54,883       1,808       —         56,691  

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

    2,792       182,310       867       (1,854 )     184,115  

Interest Expense

    15,365       9,901       736       —         26,002  

Taxes Other Than Income

    3,079       120,152       1,114       —         124,345  

Export Sales Excise Tax Resolution

    —         (614 )     —         —         (614 )
   


 


 


 


 


Total Costs

    31,080       1,589,769       57,115       4,714       1,682,678  
   


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

    4,288       5,033       7,965       (31,477 )     (14,191 )

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

    (8,533 )     (16,499 )     2,788       —         (22,244 )
   


 


 


 


 


Earnings (Loss) before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

    12,821       21,532       5,177       (31,477 )     8,053  

Cumulative Effect of Changes in Accounting for Mine Closing, Reclamation, and Gas Well Closing Costs, Net of Income Taxes of $3,035

    —         2,900       1,868       —         4,768  
   


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

  $ 12,821     $ 24,432     $ 7,045     $ (31,477 )   $ 12,821  
   


 


 


 


 


 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003:

 

     Parent

    Guarantors

    Non-Guarantors

    Elimination

   Consolidated

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

   $ 211,638     $ 163,942     $ (58,611 )   $ —      $ 316,969  
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                                       

Capital Expenditures

   $ (7,993 )   $ (178,273 )   $ —       $ —      $ (186,266 )

Investment in Equity Affiliates

     —         (251 )     (8,375 )     —        (8,626 )

Other Investing Activities

     —         16,372       64,970       —        81,342  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities

   $ (7,993 )   $ (162,152 )   $ 56,595     $ —      $ (113,550 )
    


 


 


 

  


Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                                       

Payments on Short-Term Debt

   $ (202,953 )   $ —       $ —       $ —      $ (202,953 )

Proceeds from Long-Term Notes

     —         —         1,757       —        1,757  

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

     189,552       —         —         —        189,552  

Dividends Paid

     (33,051 )     —         —         —        (33,051 )

Deposit to Restricted Cash

     (918 )     —         —         —        (918 )

Other Financing Activities

     565       (1,763 )     1,993       —        795  
    


 


 


 

  


Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities

   $ (46,805 )   $ (1,763 )   $ 3,750     $ —      $ (44,818 )
    


 


 


 

  


 

NOTE 17—RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

In March 2004, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights Are Tangible or Intangible Assets” (EITF 04-2). In this Issue, the Task Force reached the consensus that mineral rights are tangible assets. This consensus differs from the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” which classify mineral rights as intangible assets. Effective with the 2004 second quarter, CONSOL Energy has reclassified mineral rights as property, plant and equipment in accordance with EITF 04-2.

 

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. As permitted by recently issued accounting guidance, CONSOL Energy has recognized the benefits of the Act as of March 8, 2004 by adjusting the three months ended March 31, 2004 net income by approximately $2,200. The benefits of the Act are also recognized as a reduction of other postemployment benefit costs in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004.

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” to expand upon and strengthen existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. In general, a variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Interpretation No. 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entities activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the variable interest entities residual returns, or both. The interpretation also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that the company is not required to consolidate, but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of Interpretation No. 46 applied immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. Effective December 2003, the FASB elected to defer the effective date until the first fiscal year or interim period that begins after March 15, 2004 for variable interest entities in which an enterprise acquired before February 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2004, management believes that CONSOL Energy does not have any variable interest entities, therefore, there is no impact from the adoption of this standard.

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

General

 

CONSOL Energy had a net loss of $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to a net loss of $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Net income for the 2004 period was impaired from the 2003 period due to higher average unit costs, offset, in part, by higher average sales prices for both coal and gas. Higher cost per ton of coal produced was due to increased labor and supply cost per unit and increased Combined Fund premiums. These increases in cost per ton of coal produced were offset, in part, by a reduction in other post-employment benefits due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period. Higher cost of gas produced was due to the purchase of firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline because of anticipated curtailments in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the gas pipeline. CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline from the May 2004 through October 2004 period to assure pipeline capacity of our projected production. The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was also attributable to an increase per thousand cubic feet in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to the increase in average sales price per thousand cubic feet in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Net income was also impaired due to the decrease in income tax benefits reflected in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

Total coal sales for the three months ended September 30, 2004 were 15.7 million tons of which 15.1 million tons were produced by CONSOL Energy operations or sold from inventory of company produced coal. This compares with total coal sales of 15.8 million tons for the three months ended September 30, 2003, of which 15.2 million tons were produced by CONSOL Energy operations, by our equity affiliates or sold from inventory of company produced coal. The decrease in tons sold was due primarily to lower production at Enlow Fork Mine, Bailey Mine, Buchanan Mine and Mine 84. Also, CONSOL Energy’s equity affiliate Australian mining operation, Glennies Creek Mine, was sold in February 2004. These decreases in tons sold were offset, in part, by the Loveridge Mine resuming production in March 2004 and increased production at the McElroy Mine. Company produced inventory was 1.0 million tons at September 30, 2004 and was 1.3 million tons at December 31, 2003. CONSOL Energy currently has obligations to deliver 96% of its projected 2004 production.

 

Sales volumes of coalbed methane gas, including a percentage of the sales of equity affiliates equal to our interest in these affiliates, increased 8.9% to 13.9 billion cubic feet in the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared with 12.8 billion cubic feet in the three months ended September 30, 2003 period. The increase in sales volumes is primarily due to higher production as a result of additional wells coming on line from the ongoing drilling program. Our average sales price for coalbed methane gas, including sales of equity affiliates, and including the effects of derivative transactions, increased 24.4% to $4.95 per thousand cubic feet in the 2004 period compared with $3.98 per thousand cubic feet in the 2003 period. Gas prices for the 2004 period were higher than levels during the 2003 period due to continued concerns about declining North American gas production, as well as increased oil prices and economic recovery increasing demand.

 

CONSOL Energy restated first quarter 2004 net income by approximately $2.2 million to reflect the recognition of the favorable effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 as of March 8, 2004 in accordance with recently issued accounting guidance.

 

On June 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy completed a $600 million senior secured credit facility to replace the existing $267 million facility. The new facility consists of a five-year $400 million revolving credit facility and a six-year $200 million Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility. The revolving credit and Tranche B letter of credit facility will be used for general corporate purposes of CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries, including working

 

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Table of Contents

capital, capital expenditures and letter of credit needs. Cash collateralized letters of credit issued previously were transferred to the Tranche B facility and the associated $190 million of restricted cash was released. The released cash was used to pay down short-term debt.

 

In June 2004, Moody’s Investor Service upgraded CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% notes due 2012 to Ba2 (12th lowest out of 21 rating categories). Moody’s Investor Service also upgraded CONSOL Energy’s subsidiary’s medium term notes to Ba2. Moody’s Investor Service also affirmed the Ba3 senior implied rating and the Ba2 rating on CONSOL Energy’s $600 million secured bank facility, which replaced the Company’s previous secured $267 million bank facility. The rating outlook is stable. Obligations which are rated “Ba” are considered to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. The modifier 2 indicates that the obligation ranks in the mid-range of its generic rating category. The modifier 3 indicates that the obligation ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

 

In July 2004, Standard and Poor’s upgraded CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% notes due 2012 to BB (12th lowest out of 22 rating categories). Also, in July 2004, Standard and Poor’s affirmed CONSOL Energy’s BB- corporate credit rating and confirmed a BB rating (12th lowest out of 22 rating categories) with a recovery rate of ‘1’ to CONSOL Energy’s $600 million secured bank facility, which replaced the Company’s previous secured $267 million bank facility. The outlook is stable. Standard and Poor’s defines an obligation rated ‘BB’ as less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, the rating indicates that an obligor faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The rating of BB with a recovery rating of ‘1’ indicates a high expectation of full recovery of principal in the event of a default.

 

A security rating is not a recommendation by a rating agency to buy, sell or hold securities. The security rating may be subject to change.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2003

 

Net Income

 

Net income changed primarily due to the following items (table in millions):

 

     2004
Period


    2003
Period


    Dollar
Variance


    Percentage
Change


 

Coal Sales-Produced and Purchased

   $ 473     $ 442     $ 31     7.0 %

Produced Gas Sales

     69       51       18     35.3 %

Purchased Gas Sales

     49       —         49     100.0 %

Other Sales and Other Income

     69       59       10     16.9 %
    


 


 


     

Total Revenue and Other Income

     660       552       108     19.6 %

Coal Cost of Goods Sold—Produced and Purchased

     391       341       50     14.7 %

Produced Gas Cost of Goods Sold

     28       22       6     27.3 %

Purchased Gas Cost of Goods Sold

     50       —         50     100.0 %

Other Cost of Goods Sold

     54       52       2     3.8 %
    


 


 


     

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     523       415       108     26.0 %

Other

     155       155           —    
    


 


 


     

Total Costs

     678       570       108     18.9 %
    


 


 


     

Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes

     (18 )     (18 )         —    

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (6 )     (12 )     6     46.2 %
    


 


 


     

Net Income

   $ (12 )   $ (6 )   $ (6 )   (100.0 )%
    


 


 


     

 

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2004 (the 2004 period) was impaired from the three months ended September 30, 2003 (the 2003 period) due to higher average unit costs, offset, in part, by higher average sales prices for both coal and gas. Higher cost per ton of coal produced was due to increased labor and supply cost per unit and increased Combined Fund premiums. These increases in cost per ton of coal produced were offset, in part, by a reduction in other post-employment benefits due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period. Higher cost of gas produced was due to the purchase of firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline because of anticipated curtailments in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the gas pipeline. CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline for May 2004 through October 2004 to assure pipeline capacity of our projected production. The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was also attributable to an increase per thousand cubic feet in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to the increase in average sales price per thousand cubic feet in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Net income was also impaired due to the decrease in income tax benefits reflected in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

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Revenue

 

Revenue and other income increased due to the following items:

 

     2004
Period


   2003
Period


   Dollar
Variance


    Percentage
Change


 

Sales

                            

Produced Coal

   $ 448    $ 424    $ 24     5.7 %

Purchased Coal

     25      18      7     38.9 %

Produced Gas

     69      51      18     35.3 %

Purchased Gas

     49      —        49     100.0 %

Industrial Supplies

     20      15      5     33.3 %

Other

     7      4      3     75.0 %
    

  

  


     

Total Sales

     618      512      106     20.7 %

Freight Revenue

     21      27      (6 )   (22.2 )%

Other Income

     21      13      8     61.5 %
    

  

  


     

Total Revenue and Other Income

   $ 660    $ 552    $ 108     19.6 %
    

  

  


     

 

The increase in Company produced coal sales revenue was due to the increase in average sales price per ton during the 2004 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Produced Tons Sold (in millions)

     15.1      15.1      —      —   %

Average Sales Price Per Ton

   $ 29.61    $ 28.14    $ 1.47    5.2 %

 

The increase in average sales price in 2004 primarily reflects stronger prices negotiated in 2003 and an overall improvement in prices in the eastern coal market for domestic utility, export utility and metallurgical products. Tons sold remained constant in the period-to-period comparison. The Loveridge Mine resumed production in March 2004 and production at the McElroy Mine increased in 2004. Loveridge experienced a fire in February 2003 while it was in the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment. The fire delayed completion of the development until March 2004. McElroy Mine production increase was due to the second longwall and plant expansion projects being completed during the 2004 period. The increased production at Loveridge and McElroy was offset by lower production at Enlow Fork Mine, Bailey Mine, Buchanan Mine and Mine 84.

 

The increase in Company purchased coal sales revenue was due to higher average sales price per ton of purchased coal.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Tons Sold (in millions)

     0.5      0.6      (0.1 )   (16.7 )%

Average Sales Price Per Ton

   $ 44.91    $ 30.37    $ 14.54     47.9 %

 

The increased average sales price is primarily due to some of the purchased coal tons being sold in higher priced export and metallurgical markets. Increased revenue from higher average sales prices were offset slightly due to lower sales volumes in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

The increase in gas sales revenue was primarily due to a higher average sales price per thousand cubic feet and increased volumes sold in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Produced Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     13.9      12.8      1.1    8.6 %

Average Sales Price Per thousand cubic feet (including effects of derivative transactions)

   $ 4.95    $ 3.97    $ 0.98    24.7 %

 

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We believe that the 2004 gas market price increases were largely driven by continued concerns about declining North American gas production, as well as increased oil prices and the economic recovery which resulted in greater electricity use in our principal markets. CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length from a single day to greater than a year. CONSOL Energy has also entered into various gas swap transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedges. These gas swap transactions exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. In the 2004 period, these cash flow hedges represented 26% of our produced sales volumes at an average price of $4.82 per thousand cubic feet. We intend these transactions to cover approximately 27% of our current 2004 estimated produced sales volumes at an average price of $5.02 per thousand cubic feet. CONSOL Energy sold 86% of its gas sales volumes in the three months ended September 30, 2004 under fixed price contracts at an average price of $4.85 per thousand cubic feet compared to 87% of its gas sales volumes under fixed price contracts in the three months ended September 30, 2003 at an average of $3.86 per thousand cubic feet. Higher sales volumes in the 2004 period were a result of wells coming on line from the ongoing drilling program, which allowed CONSOL Energy to take advantage of increased prices.

 

Due to the anticipated curtailment in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline, CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline. The firm transportation arrangement covered the May 2004 through October 2004 period and assured pipeline capacity of our projected production. In addition, in order to satisfy obligations to certain customers, we purchased gas from and sold gas to other gas suppliers, which increased our revenues and our costs.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     8.5    —        8.5    100.0 %

Average Sales Price Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 5.83    —      $ 5.83    100.0 %

 

CONSOL Energy believes that it will be necessary to purchase firm transportation guarantees of capacity in the future as a result of increased capacity demands on the Columbia pipeline.

 

The increase in revenues from the sale of industrial supplies was primarily due to increased sales volumes and increased average sales price.

 

Freight revenue, outside and related party, is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred.

 

Other income consists of interest income, gain or loss on the disposition of assets, equity in earnings of affiliates, service income, royalty income, derivative gains and losses, rental income and miscellaneous income.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


  

Percentage

Change


 

Gain on sale of assets

   $ 9    $ 2    $ 7    350.0 %

Other miscellaneous

     12      11      1    9.1 %
    

  

  

      

Total other income

   $ 21    $ 13    $ 8    61.5 %
    

  

  

      

 

The gain on sale of assets in the 2004 period is primarily related to the sale of coal leases, conveyance of associated surface property, the transfer of related mining permits and the related liabilities for a location in southern West Virginia that resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $7 million.

 

Other miscellaneous income increased $1 million due to various miscellaneous transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

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Table of Contents

Costs

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges

                            

Produced Coal

   $ 368    $ 323    $ 45     13.9 %

Purchased Coal

     23      18      5     27.8 %

Produced Gas

     28      22      6     27.3 %

Purchased Gas

     50      —        50     100.0 %

Industrial Supplies

     27      15      12     80.0 %

Closed and Idle Mines

     17      18      (1 )   (5.6 )%

Other

     10      19      (9 )   (47.4 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Cost of Goods Sold

   $ 523    $ 415    $ 108     26.0 %
    

  

  


     

 

Increased cost of goods sold and other charges for company produced coal was due mainly to an increase in cost per unit of produced coal sold.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Produced Tons Sold (in millions)

     15.1      15.1      —      —    

Average Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges Per Ton

   $ 24.27    $ 21.46    $ 2.81    13.1 %

 

Average cost of goods sold and other charges per ton for company produced coal increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. The increase in average cost per ton was due primarily to higher maintenance, labor and supply costs per unit. Increased supply costs were related to the impact of higher costs of materials, especially metal products, used in the mining process experienced in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Increased labor and supply costs were also related to additional continuous miner shifts in the 2004 period. Continuous mining machines are used to mine the coal reserve in such a way that large, rectangular blocks of coal, called panels, are delineated underground in preparation for mining by larger more efficient longwall machines in mines equipped with these systems. Typically, mines attempt to delineate more than one panel in advance so that as the longwall machine completes the extraction of coal in one panel, it can move without delay to another prepared panel. Continuous mining machines are more labor intensive and use more supplies per ton of coal produced than longwall mining systems. Increased average cost per ton was also due to increased Combined Fund premiums related to a premium differential announced by the Social Security Administration for the past eleven plan years for beneficiaries assigned to CONSOL Energy. The increase is approximately $28 million for the plan year beginning October 1, 2003, of which all has been expensed from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004. Approximately $7 million of expense was recognized in the 2004 period. CONSOL estimates the additional costs for plan years subsequent to October 1, 2003 will be approximately $2 million per year. Costs for other post-employment benefits were reduced due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period.

 

Purchased coal cost of goods sold and other charges increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Tons Sold (in millions)

     0.5      0.6      (0.1 )   (16.7 )%

Average Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges Per Ton

   $ 42.71    $ 29.58    $ 13.13     44.4 %

 

The increase in cost of goods sold and other charges for purchased coal was primarily due to higher average cost per ton of purchased coal sold in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. The increase in the average cost of purchased coal is primarily due to increased market price for export and metallurgical coal. The increase in cost of goods sold and other charges was offset, in part, due to a slight decrease in volume of purchased coal sold.

 

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Gas cost of goods sold and other charges increased due to increased average cost per thousand cubic feet sold and increased volumes.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     13.9      12.8      1.1    8.6 %

Average Cost Per Thousand Cubic Feet

   $ 2.03    $ 1.71    $ 0.32    18.7 %

 

The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was attributable to a $0.16 increase per thousand cubic feet in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to the 24.7% increase in average sales price per thousand cubic feet in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was also attributable to approximately $0.11 increase per thousand cubic feet related to the purchase of firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline because of anticipated curtailments in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the gas pipeline. CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline from the May 2004 through October 2004 period to assure pipeline capacity of our projected production. Gas cost of goods sold and other charges also increased due to the increased volumes sold in the 2004 period as discussed previously.

 

In addition, in order to satisfy obligations to certain customers, we purchased from and sold to other gas suppliers, which increased our revenues and our costs.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     8.5    —        8.5    100.0 %

Average Cost Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 5.88    —      $ 5.88    100.0 %

 

CONSOL Energy believes that it will be necessary to purchase firm transportation capacity in the future as a result of increased capacity demands on the Columbia pipeline.

 

Industrial supplies cost of goods sold increased primarily due to higher sales volumes and increased average cost per item sold.

 

Closed and idle mine costs were $17 million in the 2004 period compared to $18 million in the 2003 period. The $1 million decrease in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period was due to lower costs related to the idled Rend Lake mine. This decrease in cost was offset, in part, by an increase of approximately $1 million due to the interest component of workers’ compensation expense in the 2004 period. Effective January 1, 2004, CONSOL Energy changed its method of accounting for workers’ compensation. Under the new method, the undiscounted liability is actuarially calculated based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Additionally, the workers’ compensation liability is recorded on a discounted basis, which has been actuarially determined using various assumptions.

 

The decrease in miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other charges reflect the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Loveridge fire loss

   $ —      $ 11    $ (11 )   (100.0 )%

Supply Inventory Adjustment

     —        3      (3 )   (100.0 )%

Sales contract buy outs

     4      —        4     100.0 %

Incentive compensation

     5      4      1     25.0 %

Miscellaneous other

     1      1      —       —    
    

  

  


     
     $ 10    $ 19    $ (9 )   (47.4 )%
    

  

  


     

 

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In February 2003, Loveridge Mine experienced a fire near the bottom of the slope entry that is used to carry coal from the mine to the surface. The costs of extinguishing the fire were adjusted in the 2003 period and an additional $11 million was recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2003 attributable to cost of goods sold and other charges. In late December 2002, the mine began the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment that was expected to be installed later in 2003. The fire delayed this installation until March 2004.

 

A $3 million supply inventory adjustment was recognized in the 2003 period.

 

In the 2004 period, an agreement was made with a customer to release tons committed under lower priced contracts for sale to other customers at higher pricing.

 

Incentive compensation expense increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period due mainly to the level of earnings achieved in the 2004 period compared to expected 2004 annual results. The incentive compensation program is designed to increase compensation to eligible employees when CONSOL Energy reaches predetermined earnings targets and the employees reach predetermined performance targets.

 

Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to whom CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation. Freight expense is billed to customers and the revenue from such billing equals the transportation expense.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Freight expense

   $ 21    $ 27    $ (6 )   (22.2 )%

 

Selling, general and administrative costs have decreased due to the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Wages and salaries

   $ 6    $ 7    $ (1 )   (14.3 )%

Other post employment benefits

     —        1      (1 )   (100.0 )%

Commissions

     2      1      1     100.0 %

Other

     10      11      (1 )   (9.1 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Selling, General and Administrative

   $ 18    $ 20    $ (2 )   (10.0 )%
    

  

  


     

 

Wages and salaries for selling, general and administrative employees have decreased primarily due to the December 2003 reduction of approximately 100 positions. The reduction program was primarily a result of certain changes in CONSOL Energy’s business, including operating fewer mines than had been operated in the past, the sale of non-core businesses and de-emphasizing coal exports.

 

Costs related to other post employment benefits in the 2004 period have decreased from the 2003 period due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period.

 

Costs for coal commissions increased due to entering a new sales agreement in the 2004 period that requires commissions to be paid.

 

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Table of Contents

Depreciation, depletion and amortization has increased in the 2004 period from the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Coal

   $ 51    $ 48    $ 3     6.3 %

Gas:

                            

Production

     5      6      (1 )   (16.7 )%

Gathering

     3      3      —       —    
    

  

  


     

Total Gas

     8      9      (1 )   (11.1 )%

Other

     4      4      —       —    
    

  

  


     

Total depreciation, depletion and amortization

   $ 63    $ 61    $ 2     3.3 %
    

  

  


     

 

The increase in coal depreciation, depletion and amortization was primarily attributable to higher units-of-production financial depletion related to higher production volumes in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period and additional depreciation on facilities and equipment placed in service after the 2003 period.

 

The decrease in gas production depreciation, depletion and amortization was primarily due to gob gas production. Gob wells generally produce for less than twelve months. As a result of the short production life, costs of the wells are generally expensed instead of capitalized and then amortized. Gathering depreciation, depletion and amortization is recorded on the straight-line method and remained consistent in both periods.

 

Interest expense has decreased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


   

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Long-term debt

   $ 8     $ 9     $ (1 )   (11.1 )%

Other

     (2 )     (1 )     (1 )   (100.0 )%
    


 


 


     

Total Interest Expense

   $ 6     $ 8     $ (2 )   (25.0 )%
    


 


 


     

 

The decrease in interest expense related to long-term debt is attributable to the scheduled long-term debt payment of $45 million in June 2004.

 

Other interest expense was reduced primarily due to the increase in the amount of interest capitalized in the 2004 period as a result of the higher level of capital projects funded from operating cash flows in the 2004 period.

 

Taxes other than income increased primarily due to the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


  

Percentage

Change


 

Production taxes:

                           

Coal

   $ 29    $ 22    $ 7    31.8 %

Gas

     2      2      —      —    
    

  

  

      

Total Production Taxes

     31      24      7    29.2 %

Other taxes:

                           

Coal

     14      14      —      —    

Gas

     1      —        1    100 %

Other

     1      1      —      —    
    

  

  

      

Other

     16      15      1    6.7 %
    

  

  

      

Total Taxes Other Than Income

   $ 47    $ 39    $ 8    20.5 %
    

  

  

      

 

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Table of Contents

Increased coal production taxes are primarily due to higher severance and black lung excise taxes attributable to higher average sales price and higher produced coal volumes.

 

Increased other taxes in the gas segment are due to various miscellaneous taxes, none of which are individually material.

 

Income Taxes

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


    Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

   $ (18 )   $ (18 )   $ —       —    

Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (7 )     (13 )     (6 )   (46.2 )%

Effective Income Tax Rate

     37.0 %     68.0 %     (33.4 )%      

 

CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate is sensitive to changes in the relationship between pre-tax earnings and percentage depletion. The effective rate for the 2003 period was calculated using a discrete period tax calculation due to the projected annual pre-tax earnings being close to zero for the applicable period. See “Note 8—Income Taxes” in Item 1, Condensed Financial Statement of this Form 10-Q.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003

 

Net Income

 

Net income changed primarily due to the following items (table in millions):

 

     2004
Period


    2003
Period


    Dollar
Variance


    Percentage
Change


 

Coal Sales-Produced and Purchased

   $ 1,484     $ 1,320     $ 164     12.4 %

Produced Gas Sales

     206       153       53     34.6 %

Purchased Gas Sales

     65       —         65     100.0 %

Gain on Sale of Glennies Creek

     14       —         14     100.0 %

Other Sales and Other Income

     216       195       21     10.8 %
    


 


 


     

Total Revenue and Other Income

     1,985       1,668       317     19.0 %

Coal Cost of Goods Sold—Produced and Purchased

     1,140       977       163     16.7 %

Produced Gas Cost of Goods Sold

     76       62       14     22.6 %

Purchased Gas Cost of Goods Sold

     66       —         66     100.0 %

Other Cost of Goods Sold

     170       168       2     1.2 %
    


 


 


     

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     1,452       1,207       245     20.3 %

Other

     487       475       12     2.5 %
    


 


 


     

Total Costs

     1,939       1,682       257     15.3 %
    


 


 


     

Earnings (Loss) before Income Taxes

     46       (14 )     60     428.6 %

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (2 )     (22 )     (20 )   (90.9 )%
    


 


 


     

Earnings Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     48       8       40     500.0 %

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

     83       5       78     1,560.0 %
    


 


 


     

Net Income

   $ 131     $ 13     $ 118     907.7 %
    


 


 


     

 

Net income for the 2004 period improved due to increased coal and gas production and increased average sales prices for both coal and gas. The higher net income was also due to the gain on sale of the stock of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Australia Pty Limited, to certain affiliates of AMCI, Inc. In addition,

 

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Table of Contents

net income for the 2004 period improved due to the cumulative effect of change in accounting related to workers’ compensation. Effective January 1, 2004, CONSOL Energy changed its method of accounting for workers’ compensation. Prior to the change, the Company recorded its workers’ compensation liability on an undiscounted basis. Under the new method, the Company recorded its liability on a discounted basis, which has been actuarially determined using various assumptions, including discount rate and projected future cost trends. The increase in net income was reduced, in part, by higher cost of goods sold attributable, in part, to higher sales volumes of coal and gas and to higher unit costs of tons of coal and gas produced. Higher cost per ton of coal produced was due mainly to increased Combined Fund premiums and increased maintenance, labor and supply cost per unit. A reduction of expenses was recognized in the 2004 period due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period. Higher cost of gas produced was due to the purchase of firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline because of anticipated curtailments in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the gas pipeline. CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline from the May 2004 through October 2004 period to assure pipeline capacity of our projected production. The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was also attributable to an increase per thousand cubic feet in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to the increase in average sales in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Income tax benefits were reduced due mainly to having pre-tax income in the 2004 period compared to a pre-tax loss in the 2003 period.

 

Revenue

 

Revenue and other income increased due to the following items:

 

     2004
Period


   2003
Period


   Dollar
Variance


    Percentage
Change


 

Sales

                            

Produced Coal

   $ 1,424    $ 1,263    $ 161     12.7 %

Produced Coal—Related Party

     —        1      (1 )   (100.0 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Produced Coal

     1,424      1,264      160     12.7 %

Purchased Coal

     60      56      4     7.1 %

Produced Gas

     206      153      53     34.6 %

Purchased Gas

     65      —        65     100.0 %

Industrial Supplies

     58      46      12     26.1 %

Other

     19      11      8     72.7 %
    

  

  


     

Total Sales

     1,832      1,530      302     19.7 %

Freight Revenue

     82      85      (3 )   3.5 %

Freight Revenue—Related Party

     —        1      (1 )   (100.0 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Freight Revenue

     82      86      (4 )   (4.7 )%

Other Income

     71      52      19     36.5 %
    

  

  


     

Total Revenue and Other Income

   $ 1,985    $ 1,668    $ 317     19.0 %
    

  

  


     

 

The increase in Company produced coal sales revenue was due to the increase in volumes sold and the increase in average sales price per ton during the 2004 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Produced Tons Sold (in millions)

     48.6      45.7      2.9    6.3 %

Average Sales Price Per Ton

   $ 29.29    $ 27.65    $ 1.64    5.9 %

 

The increase in tons sold is due primarily to the Loveridge Mine resuming production in March 2004 and improved production at McElroy and Robinson Run mines. Loveridge experienced a fire in February 2003 while

 

48


Table of Contents

it was in the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment. The fire delayed completion of the development until March 2004. McElroy production improved due to the completion of a second longwall and plant expansion projects in the 2004 period. The increased production at Loveridge, McElroy and Robinson Run was offset, in part, by lower production at Buchanan and Mine 84. Mine 84 has encountered adverse geological conditions throughout the 2004 period. The increase in average sales price in 2004 primarily reflects higher prices negotiated in 2003 and an overall improvement in prices in the eastern coal market for domestic utility, export utility and metallurgical products.

 

The increase in Company purchased coal sales revenue was due to higher average sales price per ton, slightly offset by lower volumes of purchased coal sold.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Tons Sold (in millions)

     1.7      1.8      (0.1 )   (5.6 )%

Average Sales Price Per Ton

   $ 36.03    $ 31.69    $ 4.34     13.7 %

 

Increased sales revenue from Company purchased coal was primarily due to higher average sales price per ton of Company purchased coal sold. Higher average sales price per ton was attributable to some of the purchased coal tons being sold in higher priced export and metallurgical markets. Increased sales revenue from higher prices was slightly offset by decreased sales volume of purchased coal.

 

The increase in gas sales revenue was primarily due to a higher average sales price per thousand cubic feet and increased volumes sold in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     40.5      36.9      3.6    9.8 %

Average Sales Price Per thousand cubic feet (including effects of derivative transactions)

   $ 5.07    $ 4.14    $ 0.93    22.5 %

 

We believe that the 2004 gas market price increases were largely driven by continued concerns about declining North American gas production, as well as increased oil prices and greater electricity use in our principal markets. CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with our gas marketers (gas sales transactions generally exceeding one year.) CONSOL Energy has also entered into various gas swap transactions. The gas swap transactions qualify as financial cash flow hedges. The swap transactions exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. In the 2004 period, these cash flow hedges represented 26% of our produced sales volumes at an average price of $5.08 per thousand cubic feet. We intend these transactions to cover approximately 27% of our current 2004 estimated produced sales volumes at an average price of $5.02 per thousand cubic feet. CONSOL Energy sold 86% of its gas sales volumes in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 under fixed price contracts at an average price of $5.00 per thousand cubic feet compared to 90% of its gas sales volumes under fixed price sales contracts in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 at an average of $3.97 per thousand cubic feet. Higher sales volumes were a result of wells coming on line from the ongoing drilling program, which allowed CONSOL Energy to take advantage of increased prices.

 

Due to the anticipated curtailment in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline, CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline. The firm transportation arrangement covered the May 2004 through October 2004 period and assured pipeline capacity of our projected production. In addition, in order to satisfy obligations to certain customers, we purchased gas from and sold gas to other gas suppliers, which increased our revenues and our costs.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     10.9    —        10.9    100.0 %

Average Sales Price Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 6.02    —      $ 6.02    100.0 %

 

49


Table of Contents

CONSOL Energy believes this type of transaction will continue as a result of increased capacity demands on the Columbia pipeline.

 

The increase in revenues from the sale of industrial supplies was primarily due to increased sales volumes.

 

Freight revenue, outside and related party, is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred.

 

Other income consists of interest income, gain or loss on the disposition of assets, equity in earnings of affiliates, service income, royalty income, derivative gains and losses, rental income and miscellaneous income.

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


   

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Gain on sale of assets

   $ 39     $ 19     $ 20     105.3 %

Equity in loss of affiliates

     (4 )     (5 )     1     20.0 %

Harbor maintenance fees

     —         3       (3 )   36.5 %

Other miscellaneous

     36       35       1     2.9 %
    


 


 


     

Total other income

   $ 71     $ 52     $ 19     36.5 %
    


 


 


 

 

The increase in gain on sale of assets is due mainly to CONSOL Energy’s sale of stock in its wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Australia Pty Limited, to certain affiliates of AMCI, Inc. for $27.5 million. Certain affiliates of AMCI, Inc. also assumed approximately $21.2 million of debt, and associated interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges. CNX Australia Pty Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary CONSOL Energy Australia Pty Limited, owned a 50% interest in the Glennies Creek Mine in New South Wales, Australia with its joint venture partner Maitland Main Collieries Pty Limited, an affiliate of AMCI, Inc. The sale was completed on February 25, 2004 and resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $14.4 million. The gain on sale of assets in the 2004 period is also related to the assignment of certain coal leases, conveyance of associated surface property, the transfer of related mining permits and the related liabilities for a location in southern West Virginia that resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $7 million. The additional gain on sale of assets in the 2004 period is related to the sale of several previously closed operations. The 2003 period gain on sale of assets is primarily related to the sale of surplus equipment and the expiration of a $5 million option granted to a third party to purchase property.

 

The equity losses of affiliates is due mainly to the equity losses related to Glennies Creek Mine operating results prior to the sale that occurred in February 2004.

 

CONSOL Energy received a refund in the 2003 period from the federal government for prior claims related to harbor maintenance fees imposed by Federal statue that was subsequently declared unconstitutional. These claims were pursued since 1991, and we do not expect other refunds related to these claims.

 

An additional $1 million increase in other miscellaneous income was due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

50


Table of Contents

Costs

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges

                            

Produced Coal

   $ 1,082    $ 923    $ 159     17.2 %

Purchased Coal

     58      54      4     7.4 %

Produced Gas

     76      62      14     22.6 %

Purchased Gas

     66      —        66     100.0 %

Industrial Supplies

     69      50      19     38.0 %

Closed and Idle Mines

     53      49      4     8.2 %

Other

     48      69      (21 )   (30.4 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Cost of Goods Sold

   $ 1,452    $ 1,207    $ 245     20.3 %
    

  

  


 

 

Increased cost of goods sold and other charges for company produced coal was due mainly to an increase in cost per unit of produced coal sold and an increase in sales volumes.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Produced Tons Sold (in millions)

     48.6      45.7      2.9    6.3 %

Average Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges Per Ton

   $ 22.25    $ 20.19    $ 2.06    10.2 %

 

Average cost of goods sold and other charges per ton for company produced coal increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Cost per ton for produced coal increased due to higher maintenance, labor and supply costs per unit. Increased supply costs were related the higher costs of materials, especially metal products, used in the mining process experienced in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Increased labor and supply costs are also increased due to additional continuous miner shifts in the 2004 period. Continuous mining machines are used to mine the coal reserve in such a way that large, rectangular blocks of coal, called panels, are delineated underground in preparation for mining by larger more efficient longwall machines in mines equipped with these systems. Typically, mines attempt to delineate more than one panel in advance so that as the longwall machine completes the extraction of coal in one panel, it can move without delay to another prepared panel. Continuous mining machines are more labor intensive and use more supplies per ton of coal produced than longwall mining systems. The increase in average cost per ton was also due to increased Combined Fund premiums related to a premium differential announced by the Social Security Administration for the past eleven plan years for beneficiaries assigned to CONSOL Energy. The increase is approximately $28 million for the plan year beginning October 1, 2003, all of which has been expensed from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004. Approximately $21 million of expense was recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2004. CONSOL estimates the additional cost for plan years subsequent to October 1, 2003 will be approximately $2 million per year. Cost of goods sold and other charges also increased due to higher sales volumes of company produced coal in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Costs for other post-employment benefits were reduced due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period.

 

Purchased coal cost of goods sold and other charges increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Tons Sold (in millions)

     1.7      1.8      (0.1 )   (5.6 )%

Average Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges Per Ton

   $ 34.71    $ 30.83    $ 3.88     12.6 %

 

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Table of Contents

The increase in cost of goods sold and other charges for purchased coal was primarily due to higher average cost per ton of purchased coal sold in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. The increase in the average cost of purchased coal is primarily due to increased market price for export and metallurgical coal. The increase in cost of goods sold and other charges was offset, in part, due to a slight decrease in volume of purchased coal sold.

 

Gas cost of goods sold and other charges increased due to increased average cost per thousand cubic feet sold and increased volumes.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     40.5      36.9      3.6    9.8 %

Average Cost Per Thousand Cubic Feet

   $ 1.88    $ 1.67    $ 0.21    12.6 %

 

Produced gas average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. The increase in average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold was attributable to a $0.12 increase per thousand cubic feet in royalty expense. Royalty expense increased primarily due to the 22.5% increase in average sales price per thousand cubic feet in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Average cost per thousand cubic feet of gas sold also increased approximately $0.06 related to the purchase of firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline because of anticipated curtailments in the shipment capacity allocated to CONSOL Energy as a result of increased demand for pipeline use on the gas pipeline. CONSOL Energy purchased firm transportation capacity on the Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation’s interstate gas pipeline from the May 2004 through October 2004 period to assure pipeline capacity of our projected production. Produced gas cost of goods sold and other charges also increased due to the increased volumes sold in the 2004 period as discussed previously.

 

In addition, in order to satisfy obligations to certain customers, we purchased from and sold to other gas suppliers, which increased our revenues and our costs. CONSOL Energy believes this type of transaction will continue as a result of increased capacity demands on the Columbia pipeline.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


   Variance

  

Percentage

Change


 

Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion gross cubic feet)

     10.9    —        10.9    100.0 %

Average Cost Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 6.07    —      $ 6.07    100.0 %

 

Industrial supplies cost of goods sold increased primarily due to higher sales volumes.

 

Closed and idle mine cost was $53 million in the 2004 period compared to $49 million in the 2003 period. The increase in cost primarily reflects mine closing, perpetual care water treatment and reclamation liability adjustments as a result of updated engineering surveys. Survey adjustments resulted in $3 million of expense in the 2004 period for closed and idled locations. Closed and idle mine cost also increased approximately $3 million due to the interest component of workers’ compensation expense in the 2004 period. Effective January 1, 2004, CONSOL Energy changed its method of accounting for workers’ compensation. Under the new method, the undiscounted liability is actuarially calculated based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Additionally, the workers’ compensation liability is recorded on a discounted basis, which has been actuarially determined using various assumptions. Closed and idled mine costs also increased $1 million due to costs related to the Emery mine in the 2004 period. This mine was operating for most of the 2003 period. Emery mine resumed operations in August 2004. Closed and idled mine costs also increased $2 million for various miscellaneous transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material. These increases were offset, in part, by $5 million of lower costs related to the idled Rend Lake mine. Rend Lake mine has been idle since July 2002.

 

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The decrease in miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other charges reflects the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Loveridge fire

   $ —       $ 17    $ (17 )   (100.0 )%

Mine Eighty-Four fire

     —         4      (4 )   (100.0 )%

Gas royalty dispute

     —         6      (6 )   (100.0 )%

Other post employee benefit curtailment gain

     (3 )     —        (3 )   (100.0 )%

Buckeye landfill superfund site liability transfer

     (1 )     —        (1 )   (100.0 )%

Incentive compensation

     10       —        10     100.0 %

Sales contract buy outs

     8       —        8     100.0 %

Supply Inventory Adjustment

     —         3      (3 )   (100.0 )%

Other

     34       39      (5 )   (12.8 )%
    


 

  


     
     $ 48     $ 69    $ (21 )   (30.4 )%
    


 

  


     

 

In February 2003, Loveridge Mine experienced a fire near the bottom of the slope entry that is used to carry coal from the mine to the surface. The costs of extinguishing the fire were estimated to be approximately $17 million, net of expected insurance recovery, attributable to cost of goods sold and other charges as of September 30, 2003. In late December 2002, the mine had begun the process of developing a new underground area that would be mined with longwall mining equipment that was expected to be installed later in 2003. The fire delayed this installation until March 2004.

 

In January 2003, Eighty-Four Mine experienced a fire along several hundred feet of the conveyor belt entry servicing the longwall section of the mine. The fire was extinguished approximately two weeks later. On January 20, 2003, the mine resumed production on a limited basis with continuous mining machines, while repairs continued on the belt entry. The fire caused damage to the roof support system, the conveyor belt and the steel framework on which the belt travels. Repairs took several weeks to complete and were estimated to cost approximately $4 million, net of expected insurance recovery, attributable to cost of goods sold and other related charges. Longwall coal production, which accounts for the majority of coal normally produced at the mine resumed on February 10, 2003.

 

Miscellaneous cost of goods sold and other charges also decreased due to a $6 million payment made in the 2003 period of gas royalties in connection with a dispute between a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy and certain gas lessors.

 

Due to the restructuring that occurred in December 2003, a curtailment gain related to the other post employment benefit plan of approximately $3 million was recognized in the 2004 period. Due to CONSOL Energy’s measurement date being September 30, the gain was not able to be recognized in the financial statements until the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

 

In April 2004, CONSOL Energy entered into an Environmental Liability Transfer and Indemnity Agreement that transferred our liability related to the Buckeye Landfill Superfund Site to another party. In 1991, CONSOL Energy was named a potentially responsible party related to the Buckeye Landfill Superfund Site and accordingly recognized our estimated liability for remediation of this site. The Transfer and Indemnity transaction resulted in the reversal of the remaining liability and the recognition of approximately $1 million of income.

 

Incentive compensation expense increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period due mainly to the level of earnings achieved in the 2004 period compared to expected 2004 annual results. The incentive compensation program is designed to increase compensation to eligible employees when CONSOL Energy reaches predetermined earnings targets and the employees reach predetermined performance targets.

 

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In the 2004 period, agreements were made with several customers in order to release tons committed under lower priced contracts for sale to other customers at higher pricing.

 

Other cost of goods sold decreased $5 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to whom CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation. Freight expense is billed to customers and the revenue from such billing equals the transportation expense.

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Freight expense

   $ 82    $ 85    $ (3 )   (3.5 )%

 

Selling, general and administrative costs have decreased in the 2004 period due to the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Professional consulting and other purchased services

   $ 11    $ 10    $ 1     10.0 %

Insurance

     2      1      1     100.0 %

Wages and salaries

     19      21      (2 )   (9.5 )%

Other post-employment benefits

     2      4      (2 )   (50.0 )%

Other

     20      21      (1 )   (4.8 )%
    

  

  


     

Total Selling, General and Administrative

   $ 54    $ 57    $ (3 )   (5.3 )%
    

  

  


 

 

Costs of professional consulting and other purchased services have increased in the 2004 period primarily due to services provided to complete procedures related to the special investigation into matters alleged in an anonymous letter and to services provided in relation to reviewing employee benefit plans and compensation packages provided by CONSOL Energy. These increases were offset, in part, by lower software support services.

 

Costs for insurance increased primarily due to director and officer insurance costs incurred in the 2004 period. CONSOL Energy officers and directors were previously insured under the RWE AG director and officer’s liability policy at lower fees. CONSOL Energy began to independently insure its directors in June 2003.

 

Wages and salaries for selling, general and administrative employees have decreased primarily due to the December 2003 reduction in workforce program. The reduction program was primarily focused on reducing the number of positions in the selling, general and administrative areas to better align with the Company’s current business strategy. The program reduced approximately 100 positions. These reductions were offset, in part, by the completion of the integrated information technology system provided by SAP AG in August 2003. Prior to the completion, wages and salaries for dedicated staff were capitalized as a component of the cost of the implementation project and are being amortized over seven years. The wages capitalized for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were approximately $2 million.

 

Costs related to other post employment benefits in the 2004 period have decreased from the 2003 period due to the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 in the 2004 period.

 

Other selling, general and administrative costs decreased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.

 

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Depreciation, depletion and amortization reflects the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Coal

   $ 150    $ 147    $ 3     2.0 %

Gas:

                            

Production

     16      20      (4 )   (20.0 )%

Gathering

     8      8      —       —    
    

  

  


     

Total Gas

     24      28      (4 )   (14.3 )%

Other

     10      9      1     11.1 %
    

  

  


     

Total depreciation, depletion and amortization

   $ 184    $ 184    $ —       —    
    

  

  


     

 

Coal depreciation, depletion and amortization increased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. Coal units-of-production financial depletion expense increased in the period-to-period comparison due to higher production and depreciation increased due to additional plant and equipment being placed in service after the 2003 period

 

The decrease in gas production depreciation, depletion and amortization was primarily due to gob gas production. Gob wells generally produce for less than twelve months. As a result of the short production life, costs of the wells are generally expensed instead of capitalized and then amortized. Gathering depreciation, depletion and amortization is recorded on the straight-line method and remained consistent in both periods.

 

Other depreciation, depletion and amortization increased primarily due to the depreciation related to the new integrated information technology system that is currently being used. All modules of the system have been implemented and are currently being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. All modules of the integrated information technology system were not completed in the 2003 period and therefore were not being amortized at that time.

 

Interest expense decreased in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period.

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


   

Dollar

Variance


   

Percentage

Change


 

Commercial paper and revolver

   $ 3     $ 1     $ 2     200.0 %

Long-term debt

     25       26       (1 )   (3.8 )%

Other

     (4 )     (1 )     (3 )   (300.0 )%
    


 


 


     

Total Interest Expense

   $ 24     $ 26     $ (2 )   (7.7 )%
    


 


 


     

 

The decrease in interest expense related to long-term debt was due to a decrease in the amount outstanding due to the scheduled payment of $45 million in June 2004.

 

Other interest expense was reduced primarily due to the increase in the amount of interest capitalized in the 2004 period as a result of the higher level of capital projects funded from operating cash flows in the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Interest expense decreases were offset, in part, by an interest expense related to commercial paper and the revolver. The increase was due to the weighted average interest rate of 2.4% per annum in the 2003 period compared to 5.2% per annum in the 2004 period. This increase was offset, in part, by a reduction of $31 million in the weighted average amount of outstanding borrowings in the 2004 period compared to the 2003 period. As of July 2003, CONSOL Energy was no longer able to participate as a seller of commercial paper due to Standard and Poor’s lowering its rating of our long-term debt.

 

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Table of Contents

Taxes other than income increased primarily due to the following items:

 

    

2004

Period


  

2003

Period


  

Dollar

Variance


  

Percentage

Change


 

Production taxes:

                           

Coal

   $ 86    $ 72    $ 14    19.4 %

Gas

     6      5      1    20.0 %

Total Production Taxes

     92      77      15    19.5 %

Other taxes:

                           

Coal

     44      41      3    7.3 %

Gas

     2      2      —      —   %

Other

     5      4      1    25.0 %

Other

     51      47      4    8.5 %
    

  

  

      

Total Taxes Other Than Income

   $ 143    $ 124    $ 19    15.3 %
    

  

  

      

 

Increased coal production taxes are primarily due to higher severance and black lung excise taxes attributable to higher average sales price and higher coal volumes produced. Increased gas production taxes are primarily due to higher severance taxes related to increased gas production volumes and higher average sales prices.

 

Increased other taxes in the coal segment are due to higher payroll taxes related to an increase in the 2004 period labor costs compared to the 2003 period. The increased labor costs are primarily related to the late March 2004 start up of the Loveridge Mine. This mine was idled in the 2003 period.

 

Increased other taxes were due to various miscellaneous taxes, none of which are individually material.

 

In the 2003 period, CONSOL Energy received refunds for claims and related interest for certain excise taxes on export sales. Upon receipt of these refunds, the estimate of interest receivable was adjusted to the actual amount received resulting in an additional $0.6 million of income. A $26 million receivable for the claims for the years 1991-1993 is still outstanding. There is no interest receivable related to the claims that are still outstanding.

 

Income Taxes

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


    Variance

   

Percentage

Change


 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

   $ 46     $ (14 )   $ 60     428.6 %

Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (2 )     (22 )     20     90.9 %

Effective Income Tax Rate

     (4.3 )%     (157.1 )%     152.8 %      

 

CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate is sensitive to changes to the relationship between pre-tax earnings and percentage depletion. The effective rate for the 2004 period was also impacted by the recognition of the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The effective rate for the 2003 period was calculated using a discrete period tax calculation due to the projected annual pre-tax earnings being close to zero for the applicable period. See “Note 8—Income Taxes” in Item 1, Condensed Financial Statement of this Form 10-Q.

 

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting

 

Effective January 1, 2004, CONSOL Energy changed its method of accounting for workers’ compensation. Under the new method, the undiscounted liability is actuarially calculated based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Additionally, the workers’ compensation liability is recorded on a discounted basis, which has been actuarially determined using various assumptions, including a discount rate of 6% and a future health care trend rate of 10%, declining to 4.75% in 2010. CONSOL Energy believes this change was preferable since it aligns the accounting with the Company’s other long-term employee benefit obligations, which are recorded on a discounted basis. Additionally, it provides a better comparison with the Company’s industry peers, the majority of which record the workers’ compensation liability on a discounted basis.

 

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Table of Contents

As a result of the change, CONSOL Energy reduced its workers’ compensation liability by $136 million and reduced its related deferred tax asset by $53 million. The cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption was a gain of $83 million, net of a tax cost of approximately $53 million, and accordingly is reflected as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting.

 

Effective January 1, 2003, CONSOL Energy adopted SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, as required. CONSOL Energy reflected a gain of approximately $5 million, net of a tax cost of approximately $3 million. At the time of adoption, total assets, net of accumulated depreciation, increased approximately $59 million and total liabilities increased approximately $51 million. The amounts recorded upon adoption are dependent upon a number of variables, including the estimated future retirement costs, estimated proved reserves, assumptions involving profit margins, inflation rates and the assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate.

 

Previous accounting standards generally used the units-of-production method to match estimated retirement costs with the revenues generated by the producing assets. In contrast, SFAS No. 143 requires depreciation of the capitalized asset retirement cost and accretion of the asset retirement obligation over time. The depreciation will generally be determined on a units-of-production basis, whereas the accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets, typically as production declines. Because of the long lives of the underlying producing assets, the impact on net income in the near term is not expected to be material.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

CONSOL Energy generally has satisfied its working capital requirements and funded its capital expenditures and debt service obligations from cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings. On June 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy completed a $600 million Senior Secured Loan Agreement to replace the existing $267 million facility. The new agreement consists of a five-year $400 million revolving credit facility and a six-year $200 million Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility. The new facility is secured by nearly all of the assets of the company. CONSOL Energy’s 7.875 percent bonds that mature in 2012 and CONSOL Energy’s subsidiary’s 8.25 percent medium-term notes maturing in 2007 have been equally and ratably secured. The facility can be used for letters of credit and borrowings for general corporate purposes. In the three months ended June 30, 2004, cash collateralized letters of credit issued under a restricted cash arrangement have been transferred to the Tranche B facility and the $190 million of restricted cash has been released and was used to pay short-term debt. At our option, interest on borrowings under the new facility is based upon the Prime (Base) Rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a spread that is dependent on our credit rating. The agreement has various covenants, including covenants that limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem Consol Energy common stock and merge with another corporation. We are also required to maintain a ratio of financial covenant debt, as defined, to twelve month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 1.83 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of twelve months trailing EBITDA to cash interest expense of no less than 4.5 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 9.56 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. The revolving credit facility also has covenants restricting the level of annual capital expenditures to be made by CONSOL Energy. The capital expenditure limit is $450.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. At September 30, 2004, this facility had approximately $274.3 million letters of credit issued and had $45 million of borrowings outstanding, leaving approximately $280.7 million of unused capacity.

 

In June 2004, Moody’s Investor Service affirmed the rating of Ba2 (12th lowest out of 21 rating categories) to the $600 million secured bank facility, which replaced the Company’s secured $267 million bank facility. The rating outlook is stable. Obligations which are rated “Ba” are considered to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class. The modifier 2 indicates that the obligation ranks in the middle of its generic rating category. In July 2004, Standard and Poor’s confirmed the BB rating (12th lowest out of 22 rating

 

57


Table of Contents

categories) with a recovery rate of ‘1’ to CONSOL Energy’s $600 million secured bank facility, which replaced the Company’s secured $267 million bank facility. Standard and Poor’s defines an obligation rated ‘BB’ as less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, the rating indicates that an obligor faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The recovery rating of ‘1’ indicates a high expectation of full recovery of principal in the event of a default.

 

A security rating is not a recommendation by a rating agency to buy, sell or hold securities. The security rating may be subject to change.

 

In April 2003, CONSOL Energy and certain of its Subsidiaries entered into a receivables facility with financial institutions for the sale on a continuous basis of eligible trade accounts receivable that will provide, on a revolving basis, up to $125 million of short-term funding. CONSOL Energy formed CNX Funding Corporation, a wholly owned, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, for the sole purpose of buying and selling eligible trade receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. Under the receivables facility, CONSOL Energy and certain subsidiaries, irrevocably and without recourse, sell all of their eligible trade accounts receivable to CNX Funding Corporation. CNX Funding Corporation then sells, on a revolving basis, an undivided percentage interest in the pool of eligible trade accounts receivable to financial institutions and their affiliates, while maintaining a subordinated interest in a portion of the trade receivables. CONSOL Energy has agreed to continue servicing the sold receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services. The cost of funds are consistent with commercial paper rates plus a charge for administrative services paid to the financial institution. The receivables facility expires in 2006. At September 30, 2004, eligible accounts receivable total approximately $122.4 million and the subordinated retained interest was approximately $20.1 million. Accounts receivable totaling $102.3 million were removed from the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2004. In accordance with the facility agreement, the Company is able to receive proceeds based upon total eligible accounts receivable at the previous month-end. Related repayments of $5.7 million are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

CONSOL Energy believes that cash generated from operations and its borrowing capacity under its new credit facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments in 2004 and to provide required letters of credit. Nevertheless, the ability of CONSOL Energy to satisfy its working capital requirements, debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures or pay dividends will depend upon its future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the coal and gas industries and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CONSOL Energy’s control.

 

In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length from a single day to greater than a year. CONSOL Energy has also entered into various gas swap transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedges, which exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. The fair value of these contracts was a loss of $16.9 million (net of $10.8 million of deferred tax) at September 30, 2004.

 

CONSOL Energy frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CONSOL Energy has funded acquisitions primarily with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt financing, will be available to CONSOL Energy on terms which CONSOL Energy finds acceptable, or at all.

 

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Table of Contents

Cash Flows (in millions) for the nine months ended September 30

 

    

2004

Period


   

2003

Period


    Change

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 195     $ 317     $ (122 )

Cash used in investing activities

   $ (283 )   $ (114 )   $ (169 )

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ 94     $ (45 )   $ 139  

 

Cash flows from operating activities changed due to the following items:

 

  Approximately $68 million was received in the 2003 period for refunds filed for 1994-1999 related to our black lung excise claims and related interest.

 

  Under the accounts receivable securitization facility, approximately $6 million was paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $116 million received during the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

 

  Coal inventories decreased 0.1 million tons in the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 compared to a decrease of 1.2 million tons in the nine month period ended September 30, 2003.

 

  Approximately $25 million of insurance payments were collected in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 related to the Loveridge Mine fire experienced in 2003. Accounts receivables from the expected insurance recoveries related to the two mines fires of approximately $28 million were recorded in the 2003 period.

 

  Operating cashflows are also improved due to increased net income as previously discussed.

 

Net cash used in or provided by investing activities changed primarily due to the following items:

 

  Capital expenditures were $299 million in the 2004 period compared to $186 million in the 2003 period. 2004 capital expenditures include the purchase of longwall shields, development work at Loveridge and McElroy and the expansion of the Bailey Preparation Plant.

 

  More proceeds from sales of assets received in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 than in the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Proceeds from the sales of assets in the 2003 period primarily were from the sale, in February 2003, of CONSOL Energy’s Canadian coal assets and port facilities to Fording Inc. for a note and cash. The note was exchanged for 3.2 million units in the Fording Canadian Coal Trust, a newly organized publicly traded trust which acquired the assets of Fording Inc. CONSOL Energy sold the coal trust units in March 2003.

 

Net cash received from or used in financing activities changed primarily due to the following items;

 

  Payments of $203 million were made to repay the outstanding commercial paper balance in the 2003 period.

 

  Payments of approximately $20 million were made to reduce amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facilities

 

  Scheduled long-term debt repayments of $45 million were made in the 2004 period.

 

  Dividend payments were $38 million in the 2004 period compared to $33 million in the 2003 period due to the additional 11 million shares of common stock that were issued by CONSOL Energy in September 2003.

 

  Previously restricted cash of $190 million was released due to the completion of a new $600 million debt facility.

 

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Table of Contents

The following is a summary of our significant contractual obligations at September 30, 2004 (in thousands):

 

Payments due by Year

 

    

Within

1 Year


   1-3
Years


   3-5
Years


  

After

5 Years


   Total

Short-term Notes Payable

   $ 45,000    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 45,000

Long-term Debt

     3,839      51,410      4,567      370,323      430,139

Operating Lease Obligations

     19,366      41,068      27,133      885      88,452
    

  

  

  

  

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 68,205    $ 92,478    $ 31,700    $ 371,208    $ 563,591
    

  

  

  

  

 

Additionally, we have long-term liabilities relating to other post employment benefits, work-related injuries and illnesses, defined benefit pension plans, mine reclamation and closure, and other long-term liability costs. We estimate payments, net of any applicable trust reimbursements, related to these items at September 30, 2004 (in thousands) to be:

 

Payments due by Year

 

Within 1 Year

  1-3 Years

  3-5 Years

  Total

$322,882   $ 601,213   $ 545,390   $ 1,469,485

 

As discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies” and in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Form 10-K, our determination of these long-term liabilities is calculated annually and is based on several assumptions, including then prevailing conditions, which may change from year to year. In any year, if our assumptions are inaccurate, we could be required to expend greater amounts than anticipated. Moreover, in particular, for periods after 2004 our estimates may change from the amounts included in the table, and may change significantly, if our assumptions change to reflect changing conditions.

 

Debt

 

At September 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy had total long-term debt of $428 million outstanding, including current portion of long-term debt of $4 million. This long-term debt consisted of:

 

  An aggregate principal amount of $248 million ($250 million of 7.875% notes due in 2012, net of $2 million unamortized debt discount). The notes were issued at 99.174% of the principal amount. Interest on the notes is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the notes are guaranteed by most of CONSOL Energy subsidiaries. The notes are senior secured obligations and rank equally with all other secured indebtedness of the guarantors;

 

  An aggregate principal amount of $45 million of secured notes which bear interest at fixed rates of 8.25% per annum and are due in 2007;

 

  An aggregate principal amount of $103 million of two series of industrial revenue bonds which were issued to finance the Baltimore port facility and bear interest at 6.50% per annum and mature in 2010 and 2011;

 

  $31 million in advance royalty commitments with an average interest rate of 8.723% per annum;

 

  An aggregate principal amount of $1 million of variable rate notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.74% due at various dates ranging from 2004 through 2031.

 

On June 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy completed a $600 million Senior Secured Loan Agreement to replace the existing $267 million facility. The new agreement consists of a five-year $400 million revolving credit facility and a six-year $200 million Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility. The new facility is secured by nearly all of the assets of the company. Collateral has been provided to the banks and shared equally and ratably with

 

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the holders of CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% bonds that mature in 2012 and CONSOL Energy’s subsidiary’s 8.25% medium-term notes maturing in 2007. The facility can be used for letters of credit and borrowings for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2004, cash collateralized letters of credit issued under a restricted cash arrangement have been transferred to the Tranche B facility and the $190 million of restricted cash was released. The released cash was used to paydown short-term debt. At our option, interest is based upon the Prime (Base) Rate or London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus a spread that is dependent on our credit rating. The agreement has various covenants, including covenants that limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock and merge with another corporation. We are also required to maintain a ratio of financial covenant debt, as defined, to twelve month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA) of not more than 3.0 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 1.83 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of twelve months trailing EBITDA to cash interest expense of no less than 4.5 to 1.0, measured quarterly. This ratio was 9.56 to 1.0 at September 30, 2004. The revolving credit facility also has covenants restricting the level of annual capital expenditures to be made by CONSOL Energy. The capital expenditure limit is $450.0 million and $550.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. At September 30, 2004, this facility had approximately $274.3 million letters of credit issued and had $45 million of borrowings outstanding, leaving approximately $280.7 million of unused capacity.

 

Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends

 

CONSOL Energy had stockholders’ equity of $385 million at September 30, 2004 and $291 million at December 31, 2003. The increase is primarily attributable to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, offset, in part, by various cash flow hedges related to our gas business and the payment of dividends.

 

Dividend information for the current year to date is as follows:

 

  Declaration Date  

  Amount Per Share

  Record Date

  Payment Date

November 2, 2004   $ 0.14   November 12, 2004   November 29, 2004
July 27, 2004   $ 0.14   August 8, 2004   September 2, 2004
April 23, 2004   $ 0.14   May 11, 2004   May 28, 2004
January 30, 2004   $ 0.14   February 10, 2004   February 27, 2004

 

The revolving credit facility does restrict CONSOL Energy’s ability to pay cash dividends. As long as CONSOL Energy has not achieved and maintained an Investment Grade rating, dividends payable on common stock cannot exceed $0.56 per share per fiscal year. Dividends may be paid only if the payment does not result in an event of default. The revolving credit facility also restricts CONSOL Energy’s common stock repurchases or redemptions.

 

Additional comprehensive losses, primarily related to gas hedging transactions, of approximately $11 million were recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

 

CONSOL Energy does not maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on CONSOL Energy’s condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2004, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights Are Tangible or Intangible Assets” (EITF 04-2). In this Issue, the Task Force reached the consensus that mineral rights are tangible assets. This consensus differs from the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,

 

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“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” which classify mineral rights as intangible assets. Effective with the 2004 second quarter, CONSOL Energy has reclassified mineral rights as property, plant and equipment in accordance with EITF 04-2.

 

On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. As permitted by recently issued accounting guidance, CONSOL Energy has recognized the benefits of the Act as of March 8, 2004 by adjusting the three months ended March 31, 2004 net income by approximately $2,200. The benefits of the Act are also recognized as a reduction of other postemployment benefit costs in the three months ended June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2004.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” to expand upon and strengthen existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. In general, a variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Interpretation No. 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entities activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the variable interest entities residual returns, or both. The interpretation also requires disclosures about variable interest entities that the company is not required to consolidate, but in which it has a significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of Interpretation No. 46 applied immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. Effective December 2003, the FASB elected to defer the effective date until the first fiscal year or interim period that begins after March 15, 2004 for variable interest entities in which an enterprise acquired before February 1, 2003. As of September 30, 2004, management believes that CONSOL Energy does not have any variable interest entities, therefore, there is no impact from the adoption of this standard.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

We are including the following cautionary statement in this Report on Form 10-Q to make applicable and to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of us. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Exchange Act) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. In addition to other factors and matters discussed elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q and, in CONSOL Energy’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2004, and other periodic reports filed, these risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  effects of the amount of our debt compared to stockholders’ equity and recent changes in our credit ratings;

 

  the continued incurrence of losses in future periods;

 

  a reduction in deferred tax assets could materially reduce our operating results and stockholders’ equity and possibly preclude dividend payments;

 

  our inability to obtain substantial additional financing necessary in order to fund our operations, capital expenditures and to meet our other obligations;

 

  our ability to comply with restrictions imposed by our senior credit facility;

 

  increased cost and expense related to the downgrading of our credit ratings;

 

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  a loss of our competitive position because of the competitive nature of the coal and gas markets;

 

  a decline in prices we receive for our coal and gas affecting our operating results and cash flows;

 

  the inability to produce a sufficient amount of coal to fulfill our customers’ requirements which could result in our customers initiating claims against us;

 

  overcapacity in the coal or gas industry impairing our profitability;

 

  reliance on customers extending existing contracts or entering into new long-term contracts for coal;

 

  reliance on major customers;

 

  a decline in our customers’ coal requirements;

 

  the creditworthiness of our customer base declining;

 

  our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and to successfully finance, consummate the acquisition of, and integrate these candidates as part of our acquisition strategy;

 

  disputes with customers concerning coal contracts resulting in litigation;

 

  the risks inherent in coal mining being subject to unexpected disruptions, including geological conditions, equipment failure, fires, accidents and weather conditions which could cause our results to deteriorate;

 

  uncertainties in estimating our economically recoverable coal and gas reserves;

 

  risks in exploring for and producing gas;

 

  our failure to remove and dispose of water from coal beds may hamper our ability to produce gas in commercial quantities;

 

  the disruption of rail, barge and other systems which deliver our coal, or pipeline systems which deliver our gas;

 

  the effects of government regulation;

 

  obtaining governmental permits and approvals for our operations;

 

  coal users switching to other fuels in order to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion;

 

  the effects of mine closing, reclamation and certain other liabilities;

 

  federal, state and local authorities regulating our gas production activities;

 

  deregulation of the electric utility industry having unanticipated effects on our industry;

 

  new legislation resulting in restrictions on coal use;

 

  federal and state laws imposing treatment, monitoring and reporting obligations on us;

 

  management’s ability to correctly estimate and accrue for contingent liabilities;

 

  excessive lump sum payments made to retiring salaried employees pursuant to our defined benefit pension plan;

 

  increased exposure to workers’ compensation and black lung benefit liabilities;

 

  the outcome of various asbestos litigation cases;

 

  our ability to comply with laws or regulations requiring that we obtain surety bonds for workers’ compensation and other statutory requirements;

 

  results of one or more purported class action lawsuits against us and certain of our officers alleging that the defendants issued false and misleading statements to the public and seeking damages and costs;

 

  results of an informal SEC inquiry regarding certain matters, which may include allegations contained in an anonymous letter that certain directors and senior executive officers have misappropriated corporate funds and other assets and engaged in other illegal or inappropriate activities;

 

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  the anti-takeover effects of our rights plan could prevent a change of control;

 

  decline in our share price due to the increase in shares eligible for sale; and

 

  our ability to service debt and pay dividends is dependent upon us receiving distributions from our subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

In addition to the risks inherent in operations, CONSOL Energy is exposed to financial, market, political and economic risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding CONSOL Energy’s exposure to the risks of changing natural gas prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

 

CONSOL Energy is exposed to market price risk in the normal course of selling natural gas production and to a lesser extent in the sale of coal. CONSOL Energy sells coal under both short-term and long-term contracts with fixed price and/or indexed price contracts that reflect market value. CONSOL Energy uses fixed-price contracts, collar-price contracts and derivative commodity instruments that qualify as cash-flow hedges under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 to minimize exposure to market price volatility in the sale of natural gas. Our risk management policy strictly prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative positions.

 

CONSOL Energy has established risk management policies and procedures to strengthen the internal control environment of the marketing of commodities produced from its asset base. All of the derivative instruments are held for purposes other than trading. They are used primarily to mitigate uncertainty and volatility and cover underlying exposures. CONSOL Energy’s market risk strategy incorporates fundamental risk management tools to assess market price risk and establish a framework in which management can maintain a portfolio of transactions within pre-defined risk parameters.

 

The use of derivative instruments could materially affect CONSOL Energy’s results of operations depending on market prices. CONSOL Energy believes that the use of derivative instruments along with the risk assessment procedures and internal controls does not expose CONSOL Energy to material risk. However, we believe that use of these instruments will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.

 

For a summary of accounting policies related to derivative instruments, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Sensitivity analyses of the incremental effects on pre-tax income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 of a hypothetical 10 percent and 25 percent change in natural gas prices for open derivative instruments as of September 30, 2004 are provided in the following table:

 

     Incremental Decrease
in Pre-tax Income
Assuming a
Hypothetical Price,
Exchange Rate or
Interest Rate
Change of:


     10%

   25%

     (in millions)

Natural Gas (a)

   $ 39.5    $ 54.6

(a)

CONSOL Energy remains at risk for possible changes in the market value of these derivative instruments; however, such risk should be mitigated by price changes in the underlying hedged item. The effect of this offset is not reflected in the sensitivity analyses. CONSOL Energy entered into derivative instruments to convert the market prices related to 2004 and 2005 anticipated sales of natural gas to fixed prices. The

 

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sensitivity analysis reflects an inverse relationship between increases in commodity prices and a benefit to earnings. The fair value of these contracts was a loss of $16.9 million (net of $10.8 million of deferred tax) at September 30, 2004. We continually evaluate the portfolio of derivative commodity instruments and adjust the strategy to anticipated market conditions and risks accordingly.

 

CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. The credit worthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review.

 

CONSOL Energy’s interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States. At September 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy had $428 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under fixed-rate instruments. CONSOL Energy’s primary exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to its revolving credit facility, under which there was $45.0 million of borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2004. On June 30, 2004, CONSOL Energy completed a $600 million senior secured loan facility to replace the existing $267 million facility. The new facility consists of a five-year $400 million revolving credit facility and a six-year $200 million Tranche B credit-linked deposit facility. CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility bore interest at a weighted average rate of 5.2% per annum during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Due to the level of borrowings against this facility in the nine months ended September 30, 2004, a 100 basis-point increase in the average rate for CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility would not have significantly decreased net income for the period.

 

Almost all of CONSOL Energy’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and, as a result, it does not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks.

 

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure controls and procedures. CONSOL Energy, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in such reports is accumulated and communicated to CONSOL Energy’s management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

     Exhibits filed as part of this Report:
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

CONSOL ENERGY INC.

Date: November 8, 2004

       
   

By:

 

/s/    J. BRETT HARVEY        


       

President Chief Executive Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer )

         
   

By:

 

/s/    WILLIAM J. LYONS        


       

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and

Accounting Officer)

 

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Exhibit Index

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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