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EX-95.5 - EXHIBIT 95.5 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit95-mshax93017.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit322-93017.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit321-93017.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit312-93017.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit311-93017.htm
EX-10.2 - EXHIBIT 10.2 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit102-9302017.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - CONSOL Coal Resources LPexhibit101-9302017.htm
 
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, 2017
OR
o
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
__________________________________________________
CNX Coal Resources LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
47-3445032
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1000 CONSOL Energy Drive
Canonsburg, PA 15317-6506
(724) 485-4000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
__________________________________________________
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  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes  x    No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  o    Accelerated filer  o    Non-accelerated filer  o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
   Smaller Reporting Company  o Emerging growth company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act    x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o    No  x
CNX Coal Resources LP had 15,704,080 common units, 11,611,067 subordinated units and a 1.7% general partner interest outstanding at October 31, 2017.
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
 
Part I. Financial Information
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 
Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Part II. Other Information
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 


2



Significant Relationships and Other Terms Referenced in this Quarterly Report


“Class A Preferred Units” refers to the convertible preferred units representing limited partner interests in CNX Coal Resources LP. The Partnership issued 3,956,496 Class A Preferred Units to CONSOL Energy on September 30, 2016. On October 2, 2017 the 3,956,496 Class A Preferred Units were converted to common units on a one for one basis, in accordance with our Partnership agreement. The Class A Preferred Units had the key terms as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (our “2016 Form 10-K”).

“CNX Coal Finance” refers to CNX Coal Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership;

“CNX Coal Resources LP,” the “Partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms, when used in a historical context, refer to CNX Coal Resources LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and its subsidiaries;

“CNX Operating” refers to CNX Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership;

“CNX Thermal Holdings” refers to CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of CNX Operating; subsequent to the PA Mining Acquisition, CNX Thermal Holdings owns a 25% undivided interest in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses comprising the Pennsylvania Mining Complex;

“common units” refer to the limited partner interests in CNX Coal Resources LP. The holders of common units are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and are entitled to exercise the rights or privileges of limited partners under the Partnership Agreement. The common units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, under the symbol “CNXC”;

“CONSOL Energy” and our “sponsor” refer to CONSOL Energy Inc., a Delaware corporation and the parent of our general partner, and its subsidiaries other than our general partner, us and our subsidiaries;

“CPCC” refers to CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy;

“Conrhein” refers to Conrhein Coal Company, a Pennsylvania general partnership and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy;

“general partner” refers to CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and our general partner;

“IPO” refers to the completion of the Partnership's initial public offering on July 7, 2015;

“Omnibus Agreement” refers to the Omnibus Agreement dated July 7, 2015, as replaced by the First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement dated as of September 30, 2016;

“PA Mining Acquisition” refers to a transaction which closed on September 30, 2016, where the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Thermal, entered into a Contribution Agreement with CONSOL Energy, CPCC and Conrhein, under which CNX Thermal Holdings acquired an undivided 6.25% of the contributing parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex (which represents an aggregate 5% undivided interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex);

“Partnership Agreement” refers to the First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, as replaced by the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated as of September 30, 2016;

“Pennsylvania Mining Complex” refers to the coal mines, coal reserves and related assets and operations, located primarily in southwestern Pennsylvania, owned 80% by CONSOL Energy and 20% by CNX Thermal Holdings, prior to the PA Mining Acquisition; and subsequent to the PA Mining Acquisition, owned 75% by CONSOL Energy, and its subsidiaries and 25% by CNX Thermal Holdings;

3




“preferred units” refer to any limited partnership interests, other than the common units and subordinated units, issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement that, as determined by our general partner, have special voting rights to which our common units are not entitled. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the only outstanding preferred units are the Class A Preferred Units;

“SEC” refers to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; and

“subordinated units” refer to limited partner interests in CNX Coal Resources LP having the rights and obligations specified with respect to subordinated units in the Partnership Agreement. In connection with the completion of the IPO, we issued 11,611,067 subordinated units to CONSOL Energy.





4



PART I : FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except unit data)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Coal Revenue
$
69,811

 
$
66,922

 
$
224,850

 
$
186,103

Freight Revenue
5,451

 
2,407

 
12,962

 
8,473

Other Income
3,002

 
485

 
6,204

 
2,254

Total Revenue and Other Income
78,264

 
69,814

 
244,016

 
196,830

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and Other Costs 1 
52,160

 
45,531

 
152,275

 
130,066

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
10,352

 
10,592

 
31,150

 
31,332

Freight Expense
5,451

 
2,407

 
12,962

 
8,473

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 2
4,283

 
2,660

 
11,218

 
6,558

Interest Expense
2,404

 
2,223

 
7,257

 
6,277

Total Costs
74,650

 
63,413

 
214,862

 
182,706

Net Income
$
3,614

 
$
6,401

 
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

Less: Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Pre-PA Mining Acquisition

 
1,379

 

 
3,995

Net Income Attributable to General and Limited Partner Ownership Interest in CNX Coal Resources
$
3,614

 
$
5,022

 
$
29,154

 
$
10,129

Less: General Partner Interest in Net Income
35

 
100

 
470

 
202

Less: Net Income Allocable to Class A Preferred Units
1,851

 

 
5,553

 

Limited Partner Interest in Net Income
$
1,728

 
$
4,922

 
$
23,131

 
$
9,927

Less: Distribution Effect of Preferred Unit Conversion
173

 

 
173

 

Less: Effect of Subordinated Units Distribution Suspension

 

 

 
119

Net Income Allocable to Limited Partner Units - Basic & Diluted
$
1,555

 
$
4,922


$
22,958


$
9,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income per Limited Partner Unit - Basic
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.42

Net Income per Limited Partner Unit - Diluted
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited Partner Units Outstanding - Basic
23,339,457

 
23,226,712

 
23,320,593

 
23,223,671

Limited Partner Units Outstanding - Diluted
23,501,164

 
23,469,615

 
23,452,827

 
23,344,554

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Distributions Declared per Unit 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Common Unit
$
0.5125

 
$
0.5125

 
$
1.5375

 
$
1.5375

   Subordinated Unit
$
0.5125

 
$
0.5125

 
$
1.5375

 
$
1.0250



1 Related Party of $850 and $854 for the three months ended and $2,589 and $3,390 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
2 Related Party of $834 and $856 for the three months ended and $2,288 and $3,090 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
3 Represents the cash distributions declared related to the period presented. See Note 14 - Subsequent Events.



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

5



CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income
$
3,614

 
$
6,401

 
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recognized Net Actuarial Gain
(39
)
 
(22
)
 
(118
)
 
(70
)
Other Comprehensive Loss
(39
)
 
(22
)
 
(118
)
 
(70
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive Income
$
3,575

 
$
6,379

 
$
29,036

 
$
14,054











































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

6



CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash
$
3,574

 
$
9,785

Trade Receivables
23,808

 
23,418

Other Receivables
454

 
515

Inventories
11,948

 
11,491

Prepaid Expenses
5,065

 
3,512

Total Current Assets
44,849

 
48,721

Property, Plant and Equipment:
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
890,170

 
876,690

Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
472,717

 
442,178

Total Property, Plant and Equipment—Net
417,453

 
434,512

Other Assets:
 
 
 
Other
19,247

 
21,063

Total Other Assets
19,247

 
21,063

TOTAL ASSETS
$
481,549

 
$
504,296

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
19,872

 
$
18,797

Accounts PayableRelated Party
1,906

 
1,666

Other Accrued Liabilities
41,851

 
44,318

Total Current Liabilities
63,629

 
64,781

Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
Revolver, Net of Debt Issuance and Financing Fees
185,517

 
197,843

Capital Lease Obligations
89

 
146

Total Long-Term Debt
185,606

 
197,989

Other Liabilities:
 
 
 
Pneumoconiosis Benefits
2,891

 
2,057

Workers’ Compensation
3,263

 
3,090

Asset Retirement Obligations
9,495

 
9,346

Other
427

 
463

Total Other Liabilities
16,076

 
14,956

TOTAL LIABILITIES
265,311

 
277,726

Partners' Capital:
 
 
 
Class A Preferred Units (3,956,496 Units Outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)
69,151

 
69,151

Common Units (11,747,584 Units Outstanding at September 30, 2017; 11,618,456 Units Outstanding at December 31, 2016)
137,366

 
140,967

Subordinated Units (11,611,067 Units Outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)
(13,985
)
 
(7,631
)
General Partner Interest
12,015

 
12,274

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
11,691

 
11,809

Total Partners' Capital
216,238

 
226,570

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
$
481,549

 
$
504,296


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

7



CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(Dollars in thousands)


 
Limited Partners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Preferred Units
 
Common
 
Subordinated
 
General Partner
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
69,151

 
$
140,967

 
$
(7,631
)
 
$
12,274

 
$
11,809

 
$
226,570

(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
5,553

 
11,633

 
11,498

 
470

 

 
29,154

Unitholder Distributions
(5,553
)
 
(18,016
)
 
(17,852
)
 
(729
)
 

 
(42,150
)
Unit Based Compensation

 
3,791

 

 

 

 
3,791

Tax Cost from Unit Based Compensation

 
(1,009
)
 

 

 

 
(1,009
)
Actuarially determined long-term liability adjustments

 

 

 

 
(118
)
 
(118
)
Balance at September 30, 2017
$
69,151

 
$
137,366

 
$
(13,985
)
 
$
12,015

 
$
11,691

 
$
216,238









































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

8



CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
31,150

 
31,332

(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets
(1,406
)
 
10

Unit Based Compensation
3,791

 
904

Other Adjustments to Net Income
673

 
679

Changes in Operating Assets:
 
 
 
Accounts and Notes Receivable
(329
)
 
(1,332
)
Inventories
(457
)
 
658

Prepaid Expenses
(1,553
)
 
350

Changes in Other Assets
185

 
(3,704
)
Changes in Operating Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
1,372

 
1,468

Accounts Payable—Related Party
240

 
(2,990
)
Other Operating Liabilities
(2,464
)
 
3,876

Changes in Other Liabilities
427

 
1,949

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
60,783

 
47,324

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(12,261
)
 
(9,569
)
PA Mining Acquisition

 
(21,500
)
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
1,500

 
21

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(10,761
)
 
(31,048
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Payments on Miscellaneous Borrowings
(74
)
 
(57
)
Net (Payments on) Proceeds from Revolver
(13,000
)
 
23,000

Payments for Unitholder Distributions
(42,150
)
 
(30,486
)
Tax Cost from Unit-Based Compensation
(1,009
)
 

Net Change in Parent Advances

 
(8,953
)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(56,233
)
 
(16,496
)
Net Decrease in Cash
(6,211
)
 
(220
)
Cash at Beginning of Period
9,785

 
6,534

Cash at End of Period
$
3,574

 
$
6,314





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

9



CNX COAL RESOURCES LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

On September 30, 2016, the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Thermal, entered into a Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with CONSOL Energy, CPCC and Conrhein and together with CPCC, (the “Contributing Parties”), under which CNX Thermal acquired an undivided 6.25% of the Contributing Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex (which represents an aggregate 5% undivided interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex). The PA Mining Acquisition was a transaction between entities under common control; therefore, the Partnership recorded the assets and liabilities of the acquired 5% of Pennsylvania Mining Complex at their carrying amounts to CONSOL Energy on the date of the transaction. The difference between CONSOL Energy’s net carrying amount and the total consideration paid to CONSOL Energy was recorded as a capital transaction with CONSOL Energy, which resulted in a reduction in partners’ capital. The Partnership recast its historical consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect the additional 5% interest in Pennsylvania Mining Complex as if the business was owned for all periods presented; however, the consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the Partnership had owned it during the periods reported.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CNX Operating and CNX Thermal Holdings, wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Update 2017-07 - Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The Update requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the “other components”) and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. Because the Partnership does not present an income from operations subtotal, that requirement is not applicable. Additionally, the Partnership's service cost component is deemed immaterial, and therefore, the other components of net benefit cost will not be presented separately. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year for which financial statements have not been issued. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Partnership's financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Update 2017-01 - Business Combinations (Topic 805). This update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on the Partnership's financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The objective of the amendments in this update is to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and should disclose sufficient information, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The following updates to Topic 606 were made during 2016:
In March 2016, the FASB updated Topic 606 by issuing ASU 2016-08 “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” which clarifies how an entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent

10



for goods or services promised to a customer as well as the nature of the goods or services promised to their customers.
In April 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-10 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of identifying performance obligations and licensing.
In May 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-12 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. The update, which was issued in response to feedback received by the FASB-IASB joint revenue recognition transition resource group (TRG), seeks to address implementation issues in the areas of collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition.
In December 2016, the FASB issued Updated 2016-20 - Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This update applies technical corrections or improvements specific to Update 2014-09. The technical corrections seek to address implementation issues in the areas of loan guarantee fees, contract costs - impairment testing, contract costs - interaction of impairment testing with guidance in other topics, provisions for losses on construction-type and production-type contracts, the scope of Topic 606, disclosure of remaining performance obligations, disclosure of prior-period performance obligations, contract modifications example, contract asset versus receivable, refund liability, advertising costs, fixed-odds wagering contracts in the casino industry, and cost capitalization for advisers to private and public funds.

The new standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with the option to adopt as early as annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is continuing to evaluate the impacts that these standards will have on the Partnership's financial statements, specific to the allocation of the contract value over the performance obligations for multiple year contacts with fixed annual pricing. Based on management's progress through the evaluation process, contracts that contain favorable electric power price related adjustments are not expected to be significantly impacted by adoption of this guidance. The Partnership anticipates using the modified retrospective approach at adoption as it relates to ASU 2014-09.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-15 - Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update seeks to reduce the existing diversity in practice of the presentation and classification of specific cash flow issues. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Partnership's financial statements.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-02 - Leases (Topic 842). This update is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. This update will require lessees to recognize all leases with terms greater than 12 months on their balance sheet as lease liabilities with a corresponding right-of-use asset. This update maintains the dual model for lease accounting, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance, with lease classification determined in a manner similar to existing lease guidance. The basic principle is that leases of all types convey the right to direct the use and obtain substantially all the economic benefits of an identified asset, meaning they create an asset and liability for lessees. Lessees will classify leases as either finance leases (comparable to current capital leases) or operating leases (comparable to current operating leases). Costs for a finance lease will be split between amortization and interest expense, with a single lease expense reported for operating leases. This update also will require both qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in this update is permitted for all entities. Management is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on the Partnership's financial statements.

NOTE 2—NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER AND GENERAL PARTNER INTEREST:
The Partnership allocates net income among our general partner and limited partners using the two-class method in accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance. Under the two-class method, we allocate our net income to our limited partners and our general partner in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement. We also allocate any earnings in excess of distributions to our limited partners and our general partner in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement. We allocate any distributions in excess of earnings for the period to our general partner and our limited partners based on their respective proportionate ownership interests in us, after taking into account distributions to be paid with respect to the incentive distribution rights, as set forth in the partnership agreement. Net income attributable to the PA Mining Acquisition for periods prior to September 30, 2016 was not allocated to the limited partners for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit.

11


Diluted net income per limited partner unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or agreements to issue common units, such as awards under the long-term incentive plan, were exercised, settled or converted into common units. When it is determined that potential common units resulting from an award subject to performance or market conditions should be included in the diluted net income per limited partner unit calculation, the impact is reflected by applying the treasury stock method.
The following table illustrates the Partnership's calculation of net income per unit for common units and subordinated units (in thousands, except for per unit information):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income
 
$
3,614

 
$
6,401

 
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

Less: Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy, Pre-PA Mining Acquisition
 

 
1,379

 

 
3,995

Less: General Partner Interest in Net Income
 
35

 
100

 
470

 
202

Less: Net Income Allocable to Class A Preferred Units
 
1,851

 

 
5,553

 

Less: Distribution Effect of Preferred Unit Conversion
 
173

 

 
173

 

Less: Effect of Subordinated Units Distribution Suspension
 

 

 

 
119

Net Income Allocable to Limited Partner Units
 
$
1,555

 
$
4,922

 
$
22,958

 
$
9,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited Partner Interest in Net Income - Common Units
 
$
882

 
$
2,462

 
$
11,633

 
$
4,965

Less: Effect of Preferred Unit Conversion
 
96

 

 
96

 

Effect of Subordinated Units Distribution Suspension - Common Units
 

 

 

 
(2,917
)
Net Income Allocable to Common Units - Basic & Diluted
 
$
786

 
$
2,462

 
$
11,537

 
$
7,882

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited Partner Interest in Net Income - Subordinated Units
 
$
846

 
$
2,460

 
$
11,498

 
$
4,962

Less: Effect of Preferred Unit Conversion
 
77

 

 
77

 

Effect of Subordinated Units Distribution Suspension - Subordinated Units
 

 

 

 
3,036

Net Income Allocable to Subordinated Units - Basic & Diluted
 
$
769

 
$
2,460

 
$
11,421

 
$
1,926

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding - Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Units
 
11,728,390

 
11,615,645

 
11,709,526

 
11,612,604

 Subordinated Units
 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 Total
 
23,339,457

 
23,226,712

 
23,320,593

 
23,223,671

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Limited Partner Units Outstanding - Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Units
 
11,890,097

 
11,858,548

 
11,841,760

 
11,733,487

 Subordinated Units
 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 
11,611,067

 Total
 
23,501,164

 
23,469,615

 
23,452,827

 
23,344,554

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit - Basic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Units
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.68

 Subordinated Units
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.17

Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit - Basic
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit - Diluted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Units
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.97

 
$
0.67

 Subordinated Units
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.17

Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit - Diluted
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.21

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.42


12


Diluted net income per limited partner unit for the for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 does not reflect the potential dilution that could occur if the 3,956,496 Class A Preferred Units of the Partnership were converted to common units because the effect would be anti-dilutive. The outstanding Class A Preferred Units were converted on a one-to-one basis into common units on October 2, 2017, under the terms of the Partnership Agreement. As a result, the Partnership issued an aggregate of 3,956,496 Common Units to CONSOL and canceled the Class A Preferred Units. Following the conversion of the Class A Preferred Units into Common Units, no Class A Preferred Units are outstanding. The effect of preferred unit conversion will result in the preferred units receiving a common distribution on November 15, 2017 in the amount of $0.5125 per unit versus the stated 11% per annum Class A Preferred. There were no phantom units excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2017. There were 333,943 phantom units excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per unit because their effect would be anti-dilutive for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. There were no phantom units excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per unit because their effect would be anti-dilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
NOTE 3—ACQUISITION:
    
On September 30, 2016, the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Thermal Holdings, entered into a Contribution Agreement with CONSOL Energy, CPCC and Conrhein and together with CPCC, under which CNX Thermal Holdings acquired an undivided 6.25% of the Contributing Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex (which represents an aggregate 5% undivided interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex), in exchange for (i) cash consideration in the amount of $21,500 and (ii) the Partnership’s issuance of 3,956,496 Class A Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at an issue price of $17.01 per Class A Preferred Unit (the “Class A Preferred Unit Issue Price”), or an aggregate $67,300 in equity consideration. The Class A Preferred Unit Issue Price was calculated as the volume-weighted average trading price of the Partnership’s common units over the trailing 15-day trading period ending on September 29, 2016 (or $14.79), plus a 15% premium. The PA Mining Acquisition was consummated on September 30, 2016. Our general partner elected not to contribute capital to retain its 2% interest. As of September 30, 2017, our general partner's ownership interest was 1.7%. Following the PA Mining Acquisition and including interests it held previously, CNX Thermal holds an aggregate 25% undivided interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex.

The PA Mining Acquisition was a transaction between entities under common control; therefore, the Partnership recorded the assets and liabilities of the acquired 5% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex at their carrying amounts to CONSOL Energy on the date of the transaction. The difference between CONSOL Energy's net carrying amount and the total consideration paid to CONSOL Energy was recorded as a capital transaction with CONSOL Energy, which resulted in a reduction in partners’ capital. The $67,300 in equity consideration was a non-cash transaction that impacted the investing and financing activities of the Partnership by $6,524 of excess consideration paid over the net carrying amount and $60,776 of carrying amount paid from equity consideration in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.


NOTE 4—INVENTORIES:
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Coal
$
2,374

 
$
1,950

Supplies
9,574

 
9,541

      Total Inventories
$
11,948

 
$
11,491


Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of coal inventories is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment costs, operating overhead, depreciation, depletion and amortization, and other related costs. The cost of supplies inventory is determined by the average cost method and includes operating and maintenance supplies to be used in our coal operations.




13



NOTE 5—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Coal and other plant and equipment
$
588,213

 
$
576,917

Coal properties and surface lands
121,811

 
121,241

Airshafts
94,574

 
92,938

Mine development
81,538

 
81,538

Coal advance mining royalties
4,034

 
4,056

Total property, plant and equipment
890,170

 
876,690

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
472,717

 
442,178

Total Net Property, Plant and Equipment
$
417,453

 
$
434,512


Coal reserves are controlled either through fee ownership or by lease. The duration of the leases vary; however, the lease terms generally are extended automatically to the exhaustion of economically recoverable reserves, as long as active mining continues. Coal interests held by lease provide the same rights as fee ownership for mineral extraction and are legally considered real property interests.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, property, plant and equipment includes gross assets under capital lease of $639 and $631, respectively. Accumulated amortization for capital leases was $462 and $398 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Amortization expense for assets under capital leases approximated $24 and $22 for the three months ended and $72 and $53 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and is included in Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE 6—OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES:

 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31, 2016
Subsidence liability
$
27,725

 
$
26,887

Accrued payroll and benefits
3,960

 
4,052

Equipment lease rental
3,229

 
2,442

Accrued other taxes
1,499

 
2,504

Litigation
670

 
2,507

Other
2,305

 
3,683

Current portion of long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Workers' compensation
1,328

 
1,380

Asset retirement obligations
881

 
591

Long-term disability
96

 
128

Capital leases
85

 
88

Pneumoconiosis benefits
73

 
56

Total Other Accrued Liabilities
$
41,851

 
$
44,318

NOTE 7—REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY:

 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
Revolver, carrying amount
$
188,000

 
$
201,000

Less: Debt issuance and financing fees
2,483

 
3,157

Revolver, net
$
185,517

 
$
197,843



14






Revolving Credit Facility

Obligations under our $400,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with certain lenders and PNC Bank N.A., as administrative agent, are guaranteed by our subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets pursuant to a security agreement and various mortgages. CONSOL Energy is not a guarantor of our obligations under our revolving credit facility.

The unused portion of our revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility accrues, at our option, at a rate based on either:

The highest of (i) PNC Bank N.A.’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds open rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.50% depending on the total leverage ratio; or

the LIBOR rate plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% depending on the total leverage ratio.

As of September 30, 2017, the revolving credit facility had $188,000 of borrowings outstanding, leaving $212,000 of unused capacity, which is subject to a quarterly maximum total leverage ratio covenant described below. At December 31, 2016, the revolving credit facility had $201,000 of borrowings outstanding, leaving $199,000 unused capacity. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017 was accrued at 3.99% based on a weighted average LIBOR rate of 1.24%, plus a weighted average margin of 2.75%. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2016 was accrued at 3.99% based on a weighted average LIBOR rate of 0.74%, plus a weighted average margin of 3.25%.

Our revolving credit facility matures on July 7, 2020 and requires compliance with conditions precedent that must be satisfied prior to any borrowing as well as ongoing compliance with certain affirmative and negative covenants. The revolving credit facility requires that the Partnership maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 3.00 to 1.00, which is calculated as the ratio of trailing 12 months Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement, to cash interest expense of the Partnership, measured quarterly. The Partnership must also maintain a maximum total leverage ratio not greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (or 4.00 to 1.00 for two fiscal quarters after consummation of a material acquisition), which is calculated as the ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to trailing 12 months Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement, measured quarterly. At September 30, 2017, the interest coverage ratio was 10.58 to 1.00 and the total leverage ratio was 1.93 to 1.00.
NOTE 8—COMPONENTS OF COAL WORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS (CWP) AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS:

The Partnership is obligated to CONSOL Energy for medical and disability benefits to certain CPCC employees and their dependents resulting from occurrences of coal workers' pneumoconiosis disease and is also obligated to CONSOL Energy to compensate certain individuals who are entitled benefits under workers' compensation laws.

 
CWP
 
Workers' Compensation
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost
$
283

 
$
204

 
$
849

 
$
598

 
$
320

 
$
325

 
$
961

 
$
974

Interest cost
18

 
18

 
54

 
54

 
33

 
33

 
98

 
99

Amortization of actuarial gain
(34
)
 
(20
)
 
(102
)
 
(62
)
 
(8
)
 
(5
)
 
(25
)
 
(16
)
State administrative fees and insurance bond premiums

 

 

 

 
44

 
53

 
142

 
129

Net periodic benefit cost
$
267

 
$
202

 
$
801

 
$
590

 
$
389

 
$
406

 
$
1,176

 
$
1,186



15



The Partnership does not expect to contribute to CONSOL Energy's CWP plan in 2017 as it intends to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $51 of CWP benefit claims have been paid.

The Partnership does not expect to contribute to CONSOL Energy's Workers’ Compensation plan in 2017 as it intends to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $1,016 of Workers’ Compensation benefits, state administrative fees and surety bond premiums have been paid.
NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The Partnership determines the fair value of assets and liabilities based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. The fair value hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources (including LIBOR-based discount rates), while unobservable inputs reflect the Partnership's own assumptions of what market participants would use.

The fair value hierarchy includes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value as described below.

Level One - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level Two - The fair value of the assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are based on standard industry income approach models that use significant observable inputs, including LIBOR-based discount rates.

Level Three - Unobservable inputs significant to the fair value measurement supported by little or no market activity. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Partnership's third party guarantees are the credit risk of the third party and the third party surety bond markets.

In those cases when the inputs used to measure fair value meet the definition of more than one level of the fair value hierarchy, the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its totality determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value for which the fair value option was not elected:

Long-term debt: The fair value of long-term debt is measured using unadjusted quoted market prices or estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. The discounted cash flow analyses are based on current market rates for instruments with similar cash flows.

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments for which the fair value option was not elected are as follows:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Revolving Credit Facility
$
188,000

 
$
188,000

 
$
201,000

 
$
201,000

The Partnership’s debt obligations are valued through reference to the applicable underlying benchmark rate and, as a result, constitute Level 2 fair value measurements.
NOTE 10—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:

The Partnership 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. We accrue the estimated loss for these lawsuits and claims when the loss is probable and can be estimated. Our current estimated accruals related to these pending claims, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Partnership. It is possible that the aggregate loss in the future with respect to these lawsuits and claims

16



could ultimately be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Partnership; however, such amounts cannot be reasonably estimated.

At September 30, 2017, the Partnership is contractually obligated to CONSOL Energy for financial guarantees and letters of credit to certain third parties which were issued by CONSOL Energy on behalf of the Partnership. The maximum potential total of future payments that we could be required to make under these instruments is $74,065. The instruments are comprised of $746 employee-related and other letters of credit expiring in the next three years, $63,721 of environmental surety bonds expiring within the next three years, and $9,598 of employee-related and other surety bonds expiring within the next three years. Employee-related financial guarantees have primarily been provided to support various state workers’ compensation and federal black lung self-insurance programs. Environmental financial guarantees have primarily been provided to support various performance bonds related to reclamation and other environmental issues. Other guarantees have been extended to support insurance policies, legal matters, full and timely payments of mining equipment leases, and various other items necessary in the normal course of business. These amounts have not been reduced for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. Generally, recoveries under reclamation bonds would be limited to the extent of the work performed at the time of the default. No amounts related to these financial guarantees and letters of credit are recorded as liabilities on the financial statements. The Partnership’s management believes that these guarantees will expire without being funded, and therefore the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Partnership.
NOTE 11RELATED PARTY:

CONSOL Energy

In conjunction with the IPO, the Partnership entered into several agreements, including an omnibus agreement, with CONSOL Energy. In connection with PA Mining Acquisition described in Note 3, on September 30, 2016, the general partner and the Partnership entered into the First Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement (the “Amended Omnibus Agreement”) with CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries. Under the Amended Omnibus Agreement, CONSOL Energy will indemnify the Partnership for certain liabilities, including those relating to:

all tax liabilities attributable to the assets contributed to the Partnership in connection with the PA Mining Acquisition (the “First Drop Down Assets”) arising prior to the closing of the PA Mining Acquisition or otherwise related to the Contributing Parties’ contribution of the First Drop Down Assets to the Partnership in connection with the PA Mining Acquisition; and
certain operational and title matters related to the First Drop Down Assets, including the failure to have (i) the ability to operate under any governmental license, permit or approval or (ii) such valid title to the First Drop Down Assets, in each case, that is necessary for the Partnership to own or operate the First Drop Down Assets in substantially the same manner as owned or operated by the Contributing Parties prior to the Acquisition.  
The Partnership will indemnify CONSOL Energy for certain liabilities relating to the First Drop Down Assets, including those relating to:
the use, ownership or operation of the First Drop Down Assets; and
the Partnership’s operation of the First Drop Down Assets under permits and/or bonds, letters of credit, guarantees, deposits and other pre-payments held by CONSOL Energy.

The Amended Omnibus Agreement also amended the Partnership’s obligations to CONSOL Energy with respect to the payment of an annual administrative support fee and reimbursement for the provision of certain management and operating services provided by CONSOL Energy, in each case to reflect structural changes in how those services are provided to the Partnership by CONSOL Energy.

Charges for services from CONSOL Energy include the following:
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Operating and Other Costs
$
850

 
$
854

 
$
2,589

 
$
3,390

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
834

 
856

 
2,288

 
3,090

Total Service from CONSOL Energy
$
1,684

 
$
1,710

 
$
4,877

 
$
6,480



17



At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Partnership had a net payable to CONSOL Energy in the amount of $1,906 and $1,666, respectively. This payable includes reimbursements for business expenses, executive fees, stock-based compensation and other items under the Omnibus Agreement.
NOTE 12—LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN:

Under the CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), our general partner may issue long-term equity based awards to directors, officers and employees of our general partner or its affiliates, or to any consultants, affiliates of our general partner or other individuals who perform services for us. These awards are intended to compensate the recipients thereof based on the performance of our common units and their continued service during the vesting period, as
well as to align their long-term interests with those of our unitholders. We are responsible for the cost of awards granted
under the LTIP and all determinations with respect to awards to be made under the LTIP are made by the board of directors
of our general partner or any committee thereof that may be established for such purpose or by any delegate of the board of
directors or such committee, subject to applicable law, which we refer to as the plan administrator.

The LTIP limits the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to vested awards to 2,300,000 common units, subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of unit splits and similar events. Common units subject to awards that are canceled,
forfeited, withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations or otherwise terminated without delivery of the
common units will be available for delivery pursuant to other awards.

The Partnership's general partner has granted equity-based phantom units that vest over a period of continued service with the Partnership. The phantom units will be paid in common units upon vesting or an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of a unit based on the vesting date. The awards may accelerate upon change in control of the Partnership.  Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over a requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term. The Partnership modified certain employees' phantom awards to eliminate the service requirement resulting in $1,686 of incremental compensation cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Partnership recognized $2,085 and $3,791 of total compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The Partnership recognized $289 and $904 of total compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Compensation expense is included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2017, there is $5,203 of unearned compensation that will vest over a weighted average period of 2.06 years. The following represents the nonvested phantom units and their corresponding weighted average grant date fair value:
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Nonvested at December 31, 2016
381,934

 
$
8.80

Granted
383,478

 
$
18.38

Vested
(184,696
)
 
$
9.59

Forfeited
(20,439
)
 
$
14.24

Nonvested at September 30, 2017
560,277

 
$
14.90


  
NOTE 13—FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND FINANCE SUBSIDIARY OF POSSIBLE FUTURE PUBLIC DEBT:

The Partnership filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (333-215962) on March 10, 2017, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 14, 2017, with the SEC to register the offer and sale of various securities including debt securities. The registration statement registers guarantees of debt securities by CNX Operating and CNX Thermal Holdings (“Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Subsidiary Guarantors are 100% owned by the Partnership and any guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors will be full and unconditional and joint and several. In addition, the registration statement also includes CNX Coal Finance, which was formed for the sole purpose of co-issuing future debt securities with the Partnership. CNX Coal Finance is wholly owned by the Partnership, has no assets or any liabilities and its activities will be limited to co-issuing debt securities and engaging in other activities incidental thereto. The Partnership does not have any other subsidiaries other than the Subsidiary Guarantors and CNX Coal Finance. In addition, the Partnership has no assets or operations independent of the Subsidiary Guarantors, and there are no significant restrictions upon the ability of the Subsidiary Guarantors to distribute funds to the Partnership by dividend or loan other than under the Credit Agreement described in these notes. In the event that more than one of the Subsidiary Guarantors guarantee public debt securities of the Partnership in the future, those guarantees will be

18



full and unconditional and will constitute the joint and several obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors. None of the assets of the Partnership, the Subsidiary Guarantors or CNX Coal Finance represent restricted net assets pursuant to Rule 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
NOTE 14—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

On October 26, 2017, the Board of Directors of our general partner declared a cash distribution to the Partnership's unitholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of $0.5125 per common and subordinated unit. The cash distribution will be paid on November 15, 2017 to the unitholders of record at the close of business on November 8, 2017.

On October 2, 2017, CONSOL notified the Partnership that it was electing to convert all of its 3,956,496 Class A Preferred Units into Common Units on a one-for-one basis, in accordance with the Partnership Agreement. As a result, on October 2, 2017 the Partnership issued an aggregate of 3,956,496 Common Units to CONSOL and retired the Class A Preferred Units. Following the conversion of the Class A Preferred Units into Common Units, no Class A Preferred Units are outstanding. The effect of preferred unit conversion will result in the preferred units receiving a common unit distribution in the amount of $0.5125 per unit versus the stated 11% per annum Class A Preferred.

On October 31, 2017, CONSOL Energy announced that its Board of Directors approved the separation of CONSOL Energy’s coal business through the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of CONSOL Mining Corporation to CONSOL Energy’s stockholders (the “Separation and Distribution”).  To consummate the Separation and Distribution, the CONSOL Energy Board of Directors declared a pro rata dividend of CONSOL Mining’s common stock, which is expected to be made on November 28, 2017, to CONSOL Energy’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2017 (the “Record Date”).  The Separation and Distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.  Following the Separation and Distribution, CONSOL Mining will be an independent, publicly traded company, and CONSOL Energy will not retain any equity interest in CONSOL Mining.  In connection with the Separation and Distribution, CONSOL Energy Inc. will change its name to CNX Resources Corporation, and will retain its ticker symbol “CNX” on the New York Stock Exchange.  CONSOL Mining will assume the name CONSOL Energy Inc., and will trade as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CEIX”.  In addition, CNX Coal Resources LP will change its name to CONSOL Coal Resources LP.  In connection with the name change, CNX Coal Resources will also change its NYSE ticker symbol to "CCR" from "CNXC", and its common units will continue to be listed on NYSE. The name and ticker symbol changes for CNX Coal Resources LP is also expected to be effective at the same time as the Separation and Distribution on November 28, 2017. Finally, our general partner CNX Coal Resources GP LLC will change its name to CONSOL Coal Resources GP LLC.



19



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

Unless otherwise indicated, the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of our Partnership reflect a 25% undivided interest in the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex. As used in the following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of our Partnership, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to the Partnership with respect to its 25% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex’s combined assets, liabilities revenues and costs. All amounts except per unit or per ton are displayed in thousands.
Overview

We are a growth-oriented master limited partnership formed by CONSOL Energy in 2015 to manage and further develop all of its thermal coal operations in Pennsylvania. At September 30, 2017, the Partnership's assets include a 25% undivided interest in, and operational control over, CONSOL Energy's Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which consists of three underground mines and related infrastructure that produce high-Btu bituminous thermal coal that is sold primarily to electric utilities in the eastern United States, our core market. We believe that our ability to efficiently produce and deliver large volumes of high-quality coal at competitive prices, the strategic location of our mines, and the industry experience of our management team position us as a leading producer of high-Btu thermal coal in the Northern Appalachian Basin and the eastern United States. CONSOL Energy's historical strategy has been to increase its shareholder value through the development and growth of its existing natural gas assets, selective acquisition of natural gas and natural gas liquid acreage leases within its footprint, and through its participation in global coal markets.

CONSOL Energy's Proposed Spin-Off of its Coal Business

As previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, CONSOL Energy intends to separate into two separate publicly-traded companies: (i) a natural gas exploration and production (E&P) company, and (ii) a coal company (the “spin-off”). In connection with the proposed spin-off, CONSOL Energy has formed CONSOL Mining Corporation (“CONSOL Mining”) to hold the coal business on completion of the spin-off. CONSOL Mining’s assets are expected to include CONSOL Energy’s remaining 75% undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, CONSOL Energy’s current ownership of an approximate 1.7% general partner interest and 59.8% limited partner interest in the Partnership, CONSOL Energy’s Baltimore Terminal (referred to in the Form 10 as the CNX Marine Terminal), and 1.6 billion tons of greenfield reserves in the Northern Appalachian Basin, the Central Appalachian Basin, and the Illinois Basin. In connection with the proposed spin-off, CONSOL Mining filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 with the SEC on July 11, 2017 (as amended, the “Form 10”) that includes information about the proposed spin-off. The Form 10 has not yet been declared effective by the SEC, and completion of the spin-off is subject to various conditions.

On October 31, 2017, CONSOL Energy announced that its Board of Directors approved the spin-off.  To consummate the spin-off, the CONSOL Energy Board of Directors declared a pro rata dividend of CONSOL Mining’s common stock, which is expected to be made on November 28, 2017, to CONSOL Energy’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2017 (the “Record Date”).  Following completion of the spin-off, CONSOL Energy Inc. will change its name to CNX Resources Corporation, and will retain its ticker symbol “CNX” on the New York Stock Exchange.  CONSOL Mining will assume the name CONSOL Energy Inc., and will trade as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CEIX”.  In addition, we will change our name to CONSOL Coal Resources LP., and we will change our NYSE ticker symbol to "CCR" from "CNXC". Our common units will continue to be listed on NYSE. Our name and ticker symbol changes are also expected to be effective at the same time as the spin-off on November 28, 2017. Finally, our general partner will change its name to CONSOL Coal Resources GP LLC.

As further described in the Form 10, it is anticipated that CONSOL Mining will enter into various financing arrangements in connection with the spin-off, the proceeds of which will be used, among other things, to refinance as an intercompany loan the existing indebtedness of the Partnership under our revolving credit facility (subject to approval of final documentation by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner and by the full board of directors of our general partner and subject to execution of an amendment to the operating agreement in respect of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex). In connection therewith and subject to completion of the spin-off and approval of final documentation by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner and by the full board of directors of our general partner, it is anticipated that the Partnership’s revolving credit facility will be fully repaid and terminated and the Partnership will enter into an intercompany loan agreement with CONSOL Mining as the new owner of our general partner.


20


Under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, we have a right of first offer to acquire certain assets of CONSOL Energy, including (i) its undivided 75% interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, and (ii) the Baltimore Marine Terminal (collectively, the “ROFO Assets”), in each case, for so long as CONSOL Energy, directly or indirectly, controls our general partner. The Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement also outlines various arrangements between our general partner and CONSOL Energy relating to certain indemnification matters (which are described in detail in Note 11), administrative support fee for the provision of certain administrative support services and an executive support fee for the provision of certain executive support services. The Omnibus Agreement also addresses reimbursement for certain administrative and support costs incurred. The Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement may be terminated by CONSOL Energy or the Partnership if CONSOL Energy ceases to directly or indirectly control our general partner, provided that the indemnification obligations thereunder will survive any such termination in accordance with their terms. In the event that the spin-off is consummated, our general partner will cease to be controlled by CONSOL Energy, our right of first offer to acquire the ROFO Assets will terminate and the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement will be subject to termination, other than the indemnification obligations thereunder. However, as further described in the Form 10, CONSOL Energy and CONSOL Mining intend to enter into an amendment to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement in connection with the spin-off to transfer the administrative support services and executive support obligations, as well as the right to receive the commensurate payments for such services and obligations, to CONSOL Mining (or one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries). In addition, as further described in the Form 10, CONSOL Energy and CONSOL Mining also intend for the existing indemnification obligations under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement to remain in place between CONSOL Energy and us following the spin-off.

The foregoing description of the CONSOL Mining debt, the related financing arrangements of CONSOL Mining, the anticipated changes with respect to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement and the anticipated effects of the spin-off on the Partnership is based on current expectations of these arrangements and is subject to further changes in the course of negotiation with financing sources and CONSOL Energy’s completion of the spin-off.

Bailey Mine Environmental Proceedings

On September 4, 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) provided notice that it required additional time to review the technical merits of a prior permit submission by CONSOL Energy for continued longwall mining in the 4L panel at the Bailey Mine (the “4L Pending Permit”), in light of a recent Environmental Hearing Board (“EHB”) decision, which is discussed further below. As a result, the Bailey longwall was idled at that time and workforce adjustments were made, pending further developments with the DEP and permit submission. This was the first time in the 35-year history of the Bailey Mine that a needed mining permit had not been received in a timely fashion.

As noted above, the DEP’s determination with respect to the 4L Pending Permit related to part of an August 2017 EHB decision that impacts the application of DEP-required stream mitigation techniques, specifically the installation of synthetic stream-channel liner systems. The EHB is the quasi-judicial agency that hears appeals of DEP permitting decisions. The EHB decision held, in part, that the requirement to install a stream-channel liner system constituted impermissible pollution under applicable environmental laws. That determination had direct and specific implications for the 4L Pending Permit with respect to undermining one particular stream, Polen Run, for which the DEP was proposing to require the installation of the stream-channel liner system as a mitigation measure. The DEP requested alternative mitigation measures for consideration, which CONSOL Energy supplied. Due to the narrowly focused EHB decision, the DEP is carefully reviewing alternative approaches and continues to evaluate the requested data submitted in support of the 4L Pending Permit. Given the potential for a protracted review, CONSOL Energy felt it prudent to temporarily idle the Bailey longwall and dismantle and relocate it to another panel where it held an operating permit.

To that end, on September 18, 2017, CONSOL Energy issued a press release stating that the DEP was requiring additional time to evaluate the approval of the 4L Pending Permit and that, as a result of this ongoing evaluation, CONSOL Energy determined to move the Bailey longwall to another permitted panel in order to resume operations. The Bailey longwall was moved and resumed operations the first week of October 2017. Management has implemented several measures to mitigate the production impact from this delay, including working additional unscheduled shifts as compared to the previous five and a half day schedule. This operating schedule change is intended to allow CONSOL Energy to meet customer needs. CONSOL Energy continues to work closely with the necessary agencies to obtain operating permits to allow for continuity of Bailey longwall mining operations.

Pennsylvania Mining Complex 2016 Acquisition
 
On September 30, 2016, the Partnership and its wholly owned subsidiary, CNX Thermal Holdings, entered into a

21


Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with CONSOL Energy, CPCC and Conrhein and together with CPCC, (the “Contributing Parties”), under which CNX Thermal Holdings completed the PA Mining Acquisition to acquire an undivided 6.25% of the Contributing Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex (which represents an aggregate 5% undivided interest in and to the Pennsylvania Mining Complex). The PA Mining Acquisition was a transaction between entities under common control; therefore, the Partnership recorded the assets and liabilities of the acquired 5% of Pennsylvania Mining Complex at their carrying amounts on CONSOL Energy's financial statements at the date of the transaction. The difference between CONSOL Energy’s net carrying amount and the total consideration paid to CONSOL Energy was recorded as a capital transaction with CONSOL Energy, which resulted in a reduction in partners’ capital. The Partnership recast its historical consolidated financial statements to retrospectively reflect ownership of the additional 5% (a total 25%) interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex as if the business was owned for all periods presented; however, the consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the Partnership had owned it during the periods reported.

How We Evaluate Our Operations

Our management team uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability. The metrics include: (i) coal production, sales volumes and average sales price; (ii) cost of coal sold, a non-GAAP financial measure; (iii) average cash margin per ton, an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP financial measures; (iv) adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure; and (v) distributable cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure.

Cost of coal sold, average cash margin per ton, adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow normalize the volatility contained within comparable GAAP measures, by adjusting certain non-operating or non-cash transactions. Each of these non-GAAP metrics are used as supplemental financial measures by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, industry analysts, lenders and ratings agencies, to assess:

• our operating performance as compared to the operating performance of other companies in the coal industry, without regard to financing methods, historical cost basis or capital structure;

• the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make distributions to our partners;

• our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures;

• the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various investment opportunities; and

• the attractiveness of capital projects and acquisitions and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities.
   
The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative to total costs, net income, operating cash flow, or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income or net cash, and these measures may vary from those of other companies. As a result, the items presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We evaluate our cost of coal sold on a cost per ton basis. Our cost of coal sold per ton represents our costs of coal sold divided by the tons of coal we sell. We define cost of coal sold as operating and other production costs related to produced tons sold, along with changes in coal inventory, both in volumes and carrying values. The cost of coal sold per ton includes items such as direct operating costs, royalty and production taxes, direct administration, and depreciation, depletion and amortization costs. Our costs exclude any indirect costs such as general and administrative costs and other costs not directly attributable to the production of coal. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to cost of coal sold is total costs.

We define average cash margin per ton as average coal revenue per ton, net of average cost of coal sold per ton, less depreciation, depletion and amortization. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to average cash margin per ton sold is total coal revenue.

We define adjusted EBITDA as (i) net income (loss) before net interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, as adjusted for (ii) certain non-cash items, such as long-term incentive awards including phantom units under the

22


CNX Coal Resources LP 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Unit Based Compensation”). The GAAP measure most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA is net income.

We define distributable cash flow as (i) net income (loss) before net interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, as adjusted for (ii) certain non-cash items, such as Unit Based Compensation, less net cash interest paid and estimated maintenance capital expenditures, which is defined as those forecasted average capital expenditures required to maintain, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our capital assets. These estimated capital expenditures do not reflect the actual cash capital incurred in the period presented. Distributable cash flow will not reflect changes in working capital balances. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to distributable cash flow are net income and net cash provided by operating activities.

The following table presents a reconciliation of cost of coal sold to total costs, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Total Costs
$
74,650

 
$
63,413

 
$
214,862

 
$
182,706

Freight Expense
(5,451
)
 
(2,407
)
 
(12,962
)
 
(8,473
)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
(4,283
)
 
(2,660
)
 
(11,218
)
 
(6,558
)
Interest Expense
(2,404
)
 
(2,223
)
 
(7,257
)
 
(6,277
)
Other Costs (Non-Production)
(2,965
)
 
(1,508
)
 
(5,392
)
 
(7,703
)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production)
(544
)
 
(544
)
 
(1,644
)
 
(2,851
)
Cost of Coal Sold
$
59,003

 
$
54,071

 
$
176,389

 
$
150,844



The following table presents a reconciliation of average cash margin per ton for each of the periods indicated (in thousands, except per ton information).

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Total Coal Revenue
$
69,811

 
$
66,922

 
$
224,850

 
$
186,103

Operating and Other Costs
52,160

 
45,531

 
152,275

 
130,066

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
10,352

 
10,592

 
31,150

 
31,332

Less: Other Costs (Non-Production)
(2,965
)
 
(1,508
)
 
(5,392
)
 
(7,703
)
Less: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production)
(544
)
 
(544
)
 
(1,644
)
 
(2,851
)
Total Cost of Coal Sold
$
59,003

 
$
54,071

 
$
176,389

 
$
150,844

Total Tons Sold
1,581

 
1,511

 
4,968

 
4,368

Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold
$
44.16

 
$
44.30

 
$
45.26

 
$
42.60

Average Cost Per Ton Sold
37.32

 
35.79

 
35.51

 
34.53

Average Margin Per Ton Sold
6.84

 
8.51

 
9.75

 
8.07

Add: Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
6.38

 
6.50

 
5.94

 
6.48

Average Cash Margin Per Ton Sold
$
13.22

 
$
15.01

 
$
15.69

 
$
14.55


The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated. The table also presents a reconciliation of distributable cash flow to net income and operating cash flows, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, on a historical basis for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).

23


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income
$
3,614

 
$
6,401

 
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
2,404

 
2,223

 
7,257

 
6,277

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
10,352

 
10,592

 
31,150

 
31,332

Unit Based Compensation
2,084

 
289

 
3,791

 
904

Adjusted EBITDA
$
18,454

 
$
19,505

 
$
71,352

 
$
52,637

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Interest
1,962

 
2,181

 
6,662

 
5,937

PA Mining Acquisition Adjusted EBITDA1

 
3,539



 
10,272

Distributions to Preferred Units2
1,851

 

 
5,553

 

Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures
8,893

 
6,929

 
26,858

 
20,381

Distributable Cash Flow
$
5,748

 
$
6,856

 
$
32,279

 
$
16,047

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
$
20,029

 
$
22,489

 
$
60,783

 
$
47,324

Plus:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
2,404

 
2,223

 
7,257

 
6,277

Other, Including Working Capital
(3,979
)
 
(5,207
)
 
3,312

 
(964
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
18,454

 
$
19,505

 
$
71,352

 
$
52,637

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Interest
1,962

 
2,181

 
6,662

 
5,937

PA Mining Acquisition Adjusted EBITDA1

 
3,539

 

 
10,272

Distributions to Preferred Units2
1,851

 

 
5,553

 

Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures
8,893

 
6,929

 
26,858

 
20,381

Distributable Cash Flow
$
5,748

 
$
6,856

 
$
32,279

 
$
16,047

1PA Mining Acquisition Adjusted EBITDA relates to the amount of Adjusted EBITDA acquired with the PA Mining Acquisition.
2Distributions to Preferred Units represents income attributable to preferred units prior to conversion.


24



Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Total net income was $3,614 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $6,401 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Our results of operations for each of these periods are presented in the table below. Variances are discussed following the table.
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
 
(in thousands)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Coal Revenue
$
69,811

 
$
66,922

 
$
2,889

Freight Revenue
5,451

 
2,407

 
3,044

Other Income
3,002

 
485

 
2,517

Total Revenue and Other Income
78,264

 
69,814

 
8,450

Cost of Coal Sold:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Costs
49,195

 
44,023

 
5,172

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
9,808

 
10,048

 
(240
)
Total Cost of Coal Sold
59,003

 
54,071

 
4,932

Other Costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Costs
2,965

 
1,508

 
1,457

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
544

 
544

 

Total Other Costs
3,509

 
2,052

 
1,457

Freight Expense
5,451

 
2,407

 
3,044

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
4,283

 
2,660

 
1,623

Interest Expense
2,404

 
2,223

 
181

Total Costs
74,650

 
63,413

 
11,237

Net Income
$
3,614

 
$
6,401

 
$
(2,787
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
18,454

 
$
19,505

 
$
(1,051
)
Distributable Cash Flow
$
5,748

 
$
6,856

 
$
(1,108
)




25



Coal Production Rates

The table below presents total tons produced from the Pennsylvania Mining Complex on our 25% undivided interest basis for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
Mine
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
Bailey
 
691

 
764

 
(73
)
Enlow Fork
 
486

 
490

 
(4
)
Harvey
 
359

 
291

 
68

Total
 
1,536

 
1,545

 
(9
)

Coal production was 1,536 tons for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 1,545 tons for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The Partnership's coal production decreased 9 tons as of result geological conditions and operational delays associated with the Bailey longwall environmental proceedings, as previously mentioned, in the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Coal Operations

Coal revenue and cost components on a per unit basis for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as indicated in the table below. Our operations also include various costs such as selling, general and administrative, freight and other costs not included in our unit cost analysis because these costs are not directly associated with coal production.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
Total Tons Sold (in thousands)
1,581

 
1,511

 
70

Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold
$
44.16

 
$
44.30

 
$
(0.14
)
 
 
 
 
 


Operating Costs Per Ton Sold (Cash Cost)
$
30.94

 
$
29.29

 
$
1.65

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Per Ton Sold (Non-Cash Cost)
6.38

 
6.50

 
(0.12
)
Total Costs Per Ton Sold
$
37.32

 
$
35.79

 
$
1.53

Average Margin Per Ton Sold
$
6.84

 
$
8.51

 
$
(1.67
)
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
6.38

 
6.50

 
(0.12
)
Average Cash Margin Per Ton Sold (1)
$
13.22

 
$
15.01

 
$
(1.79
)
(1) Average cash margin per ton is an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP measures.

Revenue and Other Income

Coal revenue was $69,811 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $66,922 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The $2,889 increase was attributable to a 70 ton increase in tons sold, partially offset by a $0.14 per ton lower average sales price. The increase in tons sold was related to increased export tons, primarily due to continued growth in demand from developing markets such as India, coupled with labor and weather related issues that affected the supply of seaborne thermal coal and petroleum coke and increased the export demand for our product.  The lower average sales price per ton sold in the 2017 period was primarily the result of mild summer weather and lower power prices in our domestic market areas versus the year-ago quarter, which reduced realizations under our netback contracts and caused us to ship a greater portion of our production into the lower priced export thermal market rather than the domestic thermal market.

Freight revenue, which is completely offset in freight expense, is the amount billed to customers based on the weight of coal shipped and negotiated freight rates for rail transportation. Freight revenue increased $3,044 in the period-to-period comparison due to increased shipments to customers where we were contractually obligated to provide transportation services.

Other income is comprised of income generated by the Partnership not in the ordinary course of business. Other income increased $2,517 in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a gain related to a customer contract buyout as well as sales of externally purchased coal in 2017 for blending purposes only.


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Cost of Coal Sold

Cost of coal sold is comprised of operating costs related to produced tons sold, along with changes in both volumes and carrying values of coal inventory. The costs of coal sold per ton include items such as direct operating costs, royalty and production taxes, direct administration expenses, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization costs. Total cost of coal sold was $59,003 for the three months ended September 30, 2017, or $4,932 higher than the $54,071 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Total costs per ton sold were $37.32 per ton for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $35.79 per ton for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in the cost of coal sold was primarily driven by additional operating expenses incurred at the Bailey Mine, related to operational delays as a result of permit delays, and adverse geological conditions at Enlow Mine.

Total Other Costs

Total other costs is comprised of various costs that are not allocated to each individual mine and therefore are not included in unit costs. Total other costs increased $1,457 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to $1,402 of separation costs incurred in the current year related to organizational restructuring, a state tax audit settlement that resulted in a credit of $426 in the prior year, and an increase of $415 in the cost of purchased coal sold for blending purposes only in the current year. These were offset, in part, by a decrease of $760 in the period-to-period comparison related to discretionary 401(k) contributions.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $1,623 period-to-period, primarily due to an increase in short term incentive compensation paid to employees based on the results of operations achieved at our mines, as well as increases in long term incentive compensation recognized in relation to an award modification due to organizational restructuring.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which primarily relates to obligations under our revolving credit facility, increased $181 in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to higher interest rates.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $18,454 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $19,505 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The $1,051 decrease was primarily a result of a $0.14 per ton decrease in the average sales price per ton and a $1.65 increase in the cash cost of coal sales per ton which resulted in a net $2,830 decrease in Adjusted EBITDA, offset by an increase of 70 tons of additional sales resulting in an increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $1,051. The remaining variance is due to changes in other income and other costs as discussed above and various other transactions throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow was $5,748 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $6,856 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The $1,108 decrease was attributed to a $1,051 decrease in Adjusted EBITDA as discussed above, a $1,851 increase in distributions to holders of the Class A Preferred Units and an increase of $1,964 in Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures, offset in part by a $3,539 decrease in the PA Mining Acquisition Adjusted EBITDA. The remaining variance was due to various transactions throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.

27




Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Total net income was $29,154 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $14,124 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our results of operations for each of these periods are presented in the table below. Variances are discussed following the table.
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
 
(in thousands)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
Coal Revenue
$
224,850

 
$
186,103

 
$
38,747

Freight Revenue
12,962

 
8,473

 
4,489

Other Income
6,204

 
2,254

 
3,950

Total Revenue and Other Income
244,016

 
196,830

 
47,186

Cost of Coal Sold:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Costs
146,883

 
122,363

 
24,520

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
29,506

 
28,481

 
1,025

Total Cost of Coal Sold
176,389

 
150,844

 
25,545

Other Costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Costs
5,392

 
7,703

 
(2,311
)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
1,644

 
2,851

 
(1,207
)
Total Other Costs
7,036

 
10,554

 
(3,518
)
Freight Expense
12,962

 
8,473

 
4,489

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
11,218

 
6,558

 
4,660

Interest Expense
7,257

 
6,277

 
980

Total Costs
214,862

 
182,706

 
32,156

Net Income
$
29,154

 
$
14,124

 
$
15,030

Adjusted EBITDA
$
71,352

 
$
52,637

 
$
18,715

Distributable Cash Flow
$
32,279

 
$
16,047

 
$
16,232


28




Coal Production Rates

The table below presents total tons produced from the Pennsylvania Mining Complex on our 25% undivided interest basis for the periods indicated:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Mine
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
Bailey
 
2,250

 
2,145

 
105

Enlow Fork
 
1,792

 
1,730

 
62

Harvey
 
924

 
517

 
407

Total
 
4,966

 
4,392

 
574


Coal production was 4,966 tons for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 4,392 tons for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Partnership's coal production increased 574 tons to satisfy market demand.
Coal Operations

Coal revenue and cost components on a per unit basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as indicated in the table below. Our operations also include various costs such as selling, general and administrative, freight and other costs not included in our unit cost analysis because these costs are not directly associated with coal production.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
Total Tons Sold (in thousands)
4,968

 
4,368

 
600

Average Sales Price Per Ton Sold
$
45.26

 
$
42.60

 
$
2.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Costs Per Ton Sold (Cash Cost)
$
29.57

 
$
28.05

 
$
1.52

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Per Ton Sold (Non-Cash Cost)
5.94

 
6.48

 
(0.54
)
Total Costs Per Ton Sold
$
35.51

 
$
34.53

 
$
0.98

Average Margin Per Ton Sold
$
9.75

 
$
8.07

 
$
1.68

Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs Per Ton Sold
5.94

 
6.48

 
(0.54
)
Average Cash Margin Per Ton Sold (1)
$
15.69

 
$
14.55

 
$
1.14

(1) Average cash margin per ton is an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP measures.

Revenue and Other Income

Coal revenue was $224,850 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $186,103 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The $38,747 increase was attributable to a 600 ton increase in tons sold and a $2.66 per ton higher average sales price. The increase in tons sold was primarily due to the combination of increased demand from our customers in the export thermal market, driven by the factors referenced above in the quarter-to-quarter comparison, and increased demand from our domestic power plant customers, in part due to higher natural gas prices and more normal power plant coal inventory levels versus the year-ago period. The higher average sales price per ton sold in the 2017 period was primarily the result of a tighter supply-demand balance in the international thermal and crossover metallurgical coal markets that we serve.  The API 2 index (the benchmark price reference for coal imported into northwest Europe) was up more than 50% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, and global coking coal prices were up by an even greater percentage in the period-to-period comparison.

Freight revenue, which is completely offset in freight expense, is the amount billed to customers based on the weight of coal shipped and negotiated freight rates for rail transportation. Freight revenue increased $4,489 in the period-to-period comparison due to increased shipments to customers where we were contractually obligated to provide transportation services.

Other income is comprised of income generated by the Partnership not in the ordinary course of business. Other income increased $3,950 in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to a customer contract buyout, an increase in sales of

29



externally purchased coal in 2017 for blending purposes only, and a gain related to an agreement to avoid mining approximately 85 acres of reserves, offset by a contract buyout that occurred in the prior year.

Cost of Coal Sold

Cost of coal sold is comprised of operating costs related to produced tons sold, along with changes in both volumes and carrying values of coal inventory. The cost of coal sold per ton includes items such as direct operating costs, royalty and production taxes, direct administration expenses, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization costs. Total cost of coal sold was $176,389 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, or $25,545 higher than the $150,844 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Total cost per ton sold was $35.51 per ton for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $34.53 per ton for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in the cost of coal sold was primarily driven by additional operating expenses incurred at the Bailey Mine, related to operational delays as a result of permit delays, and adverse geological conditions at the Enlow Mine. In addition, the average cost per ton sold increased due to additional costs related to an increase in development mining footage, offset in part by a 4% improvement in productivity for the nine months, as measured by tons per employee-hour, as compared to the year-ago period.

Total Other Costs

Total other costs is comprised of various costs that are not allocated to each individual mine and therefore are not included in unit costs. Total other costs decreased $3,518 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to $4,517 of costs in the prior year related to temporarily idling one of the longwalls at the Pennsylvania Mining Complex to optimize the production schedule and $1,428 decrease related to discretionary 401(k) contributions. These were offset, in part, by an increase of $1,744 in the period-to-period comparison related to the cost of purchased coal sold for blending purposes only and $1,402 of separation costs incurred in the current year related to organizational restructuring.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $4,660 period-to-period, due to an increase in short term incentive compensation paid to employees based on the results of operations achieved at our mines, as well as increases in long term incentive compensation recognized in relation to an award modification due to organizational restructuring.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, which primarily relates to obligations under our revolving credit facility, increased $980 in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to higher interest rates.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $71,352 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $52,637 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The $18,715 increase was primarily a result of an increase of 600 tons of additional sales which resulted in an increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $8,730. A $2.66 per ton increase in the average sales price per ton, offset in part, by a $1.52 increase in the cash cost of coal sales per ton, also resulted in a net $5,664 increase in Adjusted EBITDA. The remaining variance is due to changes in other income and other costs as discussed above and various other transactions throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow was $32,279 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $16,047 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The $16,232 increase was attributed to an $18,715 increase in Adjusted EBITDA as discussed above and a $10,272 decrease in the PA Mining Acquisition Adjusted EBITDA, offset, in part by a $5,553 increase in distributions to holders of the Class A Preferred Units, and an increase of $6,477 in Estimated Maintenance Capital Expenditures. The remaining variance was due to various transactions throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.






30



Capital Resources and Liquidity

Liquidity and Financing Arrangements

We expect our ongoing sources of liquidity to include cash generated from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the facility discussed below or any replacement credit facility adopted in connection with the spin-off, and, if necessary, the issuance of additional equity or debt securities. We believe that cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to meet our short-term working capital requirements and our long-term capital expenditure requirements and to make quarterly cash distributions as declared by the board of directors of our general partner. The Partnership filed a universal shelf registration on Form S-3 (333-215962) on March 10, 2017 with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on March 14, 2017, for an aggregate amount of $750,000 to provide the Partnership with additional flexibility to access capital markets quickly.

Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash to our unitholders. As a result, we expect to rely primarily upon external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures, if any.

On October 26, 2017, the Board of Directors of our general partner declared a cash distribution to the Partnership's unitholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of $0.5125 per common and subordinated unit. The cash distribution will be paid on November 15, 2017 to the unitholders of record at the close of business on November 8, 2017.

It is anticipated that CONSOL Mining will enter into various financing arrangements in connection with the spin-off, the proceeds of which will be used, among other things, to refinance as an intercompany loan the existing indebtedness of the Partnership under its revolving credit facility (subject to approval of final documentation by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner and by the full board of directors of our general partner and subject to execution of an amendment to the operating agreement in respect of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex). In connection therewith and subject to completion of the spin-off and approval of final documentation by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner and by the full board of directors of our general partner, it is anticipated that the Partnership’s revolving credit facility will be fully repaid and terminated and the Partnership will enter into an intercompany loan agreement with CONSOL Mining, which will subsequently become the owner of our general partner.

Revolving Credit Facility

Obligations under our $400,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, with certain lenders and PNC Bank N.A., as administrative agent, are guaranteed by our subsidiaries (the “guarantor subsidiaries”) and are secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets pursuant to a security agreement and various mortgages. CONSOL Energy is not a guarantor of our obligations under our revolving credit facility.

The unused portion of our revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility accrues, at our option, at a rate based on either:

The highest of (i) PNC Bank N.A.’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds open rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.50% depending on the total leverage ratio; or

the LIBOR rate plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.50% depending on the total leverage ratio.

As of September 30, 2017, the revolving credit facility had $188,000 of borrowings outstanding, leaving $212,000 of unused capacity, which is subject to a quarterly maximum total leverage ratio covenant described below. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2017 was accrued at 3.99% based on a weighted average LIBOR rate of 1.24%, plus a weighted average margin of 2.75%.

Our revolving credit facility matures on July 7, 2020 and requires compliance with conditions precedent that must be satisfied prior to any borrowing as well as ongoing compliance with certain affirmative and negative covenants.

Affirmative covenants include, among others, requirements relating to: (i) the preservation of existence; (ii) the payment of obligations, including taxes; (iii) the maintenance of properties and equipment, insurance and books and records; (iv) compliance with laws and material contracts; (v) use of proceeds; (vi) the subordination of intercompany loans; (vii) compliance with anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and sanctions laws; and (viii) collateral.

31




Negative covenants include, among others, restrictions on our and our guarantor subsidiaries’ ability to: (i) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist indebtedness; (ii) create or permit to exist liens on their properties; (iii) make or pay any dividends or distributions; provided that we will be able to make cash distributions of available cash to partners so long as no event of default is continuing or would result therefrom; (iv) merge with or into another person, liquidate or dissolve, acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any going concern or going line of business or acquire all or a substantial portion of another person’s assets; (v) make particular investments and loans; provided that we will be able to increase our ownership percentage of our undivided interest in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and make investments in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex in accordance with our ratable ownership; (vi) sell, transfer, convey, assign or dispose of our assets or properties other than in the ordinary course of business and other select instances; (vii) deal with any affiliate except in the ordinary course of business on terms no less favorable to us than we would otherwise receive in an arm’s length transaction; (viii) amend organizational documents or any documentation governing certain material debt; and (ix) amend, waive or grant a consent under any material contract. In addition, we are obligated to maintain at the end of each fiscal quarter (x) a minimum interest coverage ratio of at least 3.00 to 1.00 and (y) a maximum total leverage ratio of no greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (or 4.00 to 1.00 for two fiscal quarters after consummation of a material acquisition). At September 30, 2017, the interest coverage ratio was 10.58 to 1.00 and the total leverage ratio was 1.93 to 1.00.

Our revolving credit facility also contains events of default, including, but not limited to, cross-default to certain other debt, breaches of representations and warranties, change of control events and breaches of covenants.

The completion of the spin-off will constitute a change of control under the revolving credit facility, which would be an event of default. As described above, it is anticipated that in connection with the spin-off, CONSOL Mining will refinance as an intercompany loan our existing indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, although there is no assurance that such refinancing will occur on acceptable terms or at all. If the Partnership or CONSOL Mining fails to obtain refinancing for our revolving credit facility prior to the completion of the spin-off and CONSOL Energy nevertheless elected to consummate the spin-off, the spin-off would trigger a default under our revolving credit facility. Upon such a default, unless waived, our lenders would have all remedies available to a secured lender including terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, cause their loans to become immediately due and payable in full, and institute foreclosure proceedings against us or our assets and force us and our subsidiaries into bankruptcy or liquidation.
 
Cash Flows
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows provided by operating activities
$
60,783

 
$
47,324

 
$
13,459

Cash used in investing activities
$
(10,761
)
 
$
(31,048
)
 
$
20,287

Cash used in financing activities
$
(56,233
)
 
$
(16,496
)
 
$
(39,737
)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:

Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $13,459 in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase in Net Income.

Cash used in investing activities decreased $20,287 in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as a result of a $21,500 payment related to the PA Mining Acquisition in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and increased proceeds from sale of assets of $1,479. This was offset against an increase in capital expenditures of $2,692. The increase in capital expenditures is due to the following items:


32



 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Variance
 
(in thousands)
Building and Infrastructure
$
5,992

 
$
6,201

 
$
(209
)
Refuse Storage Area
4,207

 
397

 
3,810

Equipment Purchases and Rebuilds
1,479

 
2,042

 
(563
)
Water Treatment Systems
164

 
208

 
(44
)
Other
419

 
721

 
(302
)
Total Capital Expenditures
$
12,261

 
$
9,569

 
$
2,692



Cash flows used in financing activities increased by $39,737 from $16,496 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $56,233 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to a $36,000 difference in our revolving credit facility activity in the period-to-period comparison, which was comprised of $23,000 in borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 versus $13,000 of payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was also attributable to an increase in cash distributions of $11,664 in the period-to-period comparison. This was primarily due to cash distributions made to Class A Preferred Units during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the suspension of the second quarter subordinated units distributions for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. There were no distributions made to Class A Preferred Units during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The period-to-period increase was offset, in part, by a change of $8,953 in the net change in parent advances. The remaining variance is due to various transactions throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial 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 Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.
Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations include the revolving credit facility, operating leases, capital leases, asset retirement obligations and other long-term liability commitments. Since December 31, 2016, there have been no material changes to our contractual obligations within the ordinary course of business.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Quarterly 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. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. When we use the words “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following: generation of sufficient distributable cash flow to support the payment of minimum quarterly distributions; changes in coal prices or the costs of mining or transporting coal; uncertainty in estimating economically recoverable coal reserves and replacement of reserves; our ability

33



to develop our existing coal reserves and successfully execute our mining plans; changes in general economic conditions, both domestically and globally; competitive conditions within the coal industry; changes in the consumption patterns of coal-fired power plants and steelmakers and other factors affecting the demand for coal by coal-fired power plants and steelmakers; the availability and price of coal to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels; competition from the same and alternative energy sources; energy efficiency and technology trends; our ability to successfully implement our business plan and strategy for growth; the price and availability of debt and equity financing; operating hazards and other risks incidental to coal mining; major equipment failures and difficulties in obtaining equipment, parts and raw materials; availability, reliability and costs of transporting coal; adverse or abnormal geologic conditions, which may be unforeseen; natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control; interest rates; labor availability, relations and other workforce factors; defaults by our sponsor under our operating agreement and employee services agreement; changes in availability and cost of capital; changes in our tax status; delays in the receipt of, failure to receive or revocation of necessary governmental permits; defects in title or loss of any leasehold interests with respect to our properties; the effect of existing and future laws and government regulations, including the enforcement and interpretation of environmental laws thereof; the effect of new or expanded greenhouse gas regulations; the effects of litigation; uncertainties as whether and when the spin-off will be completed; diversion of management's attention from the operation of the Pennsylvania Mining Complex due to the possible spin-off; the impact of having a new sponsor of the Partnership and the related risks related to the new sponsor; the possibility that the spin-off will trigger an event of default under the revolving credit facility and the related possibly that the proposed refinancing of the Revolving Credit Agreement through an intercompany loan agreement will not be completed and other factors discussed in our 2016 Form 10-K under “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors,” as updated by any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no material changes to our exposures to market risk since December 31, 2016.
ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of our general partner, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), was conducted as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner have concluded that the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


34



PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to paragraph one within Part 1, Item 1. Financial Statements, “Note 10. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

The following risk factor should be read in conjunction with our risk factors described in “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2016 Form 10-K. These described risks are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.


There can be no assurance that CONSOL Energy will complete its proposed separation into two separate publicly-traded companies: (i) a natural gas exploration and production (E&P) company, and (ii) a coal company.

As discussed above, our current sponsor CONSOL Energy intends to separate into two separate publicly-traded companies: (i) a natural gas exploration and production (E&P) company, and (ii) a coal company whose assets will include CONSOL Energy’s remaining ownership in the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and CONSOL Energy’s current ownership of an approximate 1.7% general partner interest and 59.8% limited partner interest in the Partnership (the “spin-off”). CONSOL Mining will be our new sponsor on completion of the proposed spin-off. The Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to the spin-off has not yet been declared effective by the SEC, and completion of the spin-off is subject to various conditions including approval by the board of directors of CONSOL Energy. There can be no assurance that the spin-off will be completed. In addition, we cannot predict the timing of the completion of the spin-off or the final structure of any agreements to be entered into in connection with the spin-off that relate to the general partner, the Partnership and our business, the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, our credit arrangements and the various related party agreements between CONSOL Energy and us (including the operating agreement and the omnibus agreement).

If the potential spin-off does not occur or is delayed, our strategic options may be limited and, as a result, our business prospects may be negatively affected. In addition, if the spin-off is not completed for any reason, we may be subject to a number of other risks, including the following:

the current market price of our common units may reflect a market assumption that the spin-off will occur and a failure by CONSOL Energy to complete the spin-off could result in a decline in the market price of our common units or adversely impact our relationships with employees, customers or other business partners; and

There may be substantial disruption to our business and distraction of our management and employees as a result of the proposed spin-off by CONSOL Energy, and the uncertainty associated with the proposed transaction may otherwise adversely impact our operations and relationships with key stakeholders.

There may be substantial disruption to our business and distraction of our management and employees from day-to-day operations because matters related to the proposed spin-off by CONSOL Energy may require substantial commitments of time and resources, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that could have been beneficial to the Partnership.

In addition, the uncertainty surrounding whether or when the spin-off will occur and other aspects of the spin-off, may adversely affect our ability to enter into new customer agreements or extend or expand existing customer relationships if potential and existing customers choose to wait to learn whether the transaction will proceed before committing to new, extended or expanded customer relationships with us. Similarly, suppliers, vendors and other businesses or organizations that we may seek to contract with or expand existing relationships with us may choose to wait to enter into new agreements or arrangements or change existing agreements or arrangements with us. If such uncertainty continues for a protracted period, our ability to secure new, extended or expanded customer relationships may be adversely affected, or we may be compelled to pay higher fees or incur new or higher expenses to operate and maintain our business. We cannot predict whether or when any adverse effects on our business will result from these uncertainties, but such effects, if any, could materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations in future periods.


35



Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the potential spin-off may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. We operate in an industry that currently experiences a high level of competition among different companies for qualified and experienced personnel. The uncertainty relating to the possibility of the spin-off may increase the risk that we could experience higher than normal rates of attrition or that we experience increased difficulty in attracting qualified personnel or incur higher expenses to do so. High levels of attrition among the management and employee personnel necessary to operate our business or difficulties or increased expense incurred to replace any personnel who leave, could materially adversely affect our business or results of operations.

The completion of the spin-off would constitute a change of control under our revolving credit facility, which would be an event of default under our revolving credit facility. If the Partnership or CONSOL Mining failed to obtain refinancing for our revolving credit facility and CONSOL Energy nevertheless elected to consummate the spin-off, upon a default, unless waived, our lenders would have all remedies available to a secured lender including terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, cause their loans to become due and payable in full, and institute foreclosure proceedings against us or our assets and force us and our subsidiaries into bankruptcy or liquidation.
The completion of the spin-off will constitute a change of control under our revolving credit facility, which is an event of default under our revolving credit facility. Although we expect that our revolving credit facility will be refinanced in connection with the completion of the spin-off, CONSOL Mining is not obligated to do so and, consequently, there is no assurance that such refinancing will occur on acceptable terms or at all. If the Partnership or CONSOL Mining failed to obtain refinancing for our revolving credit facility and CONSOL Energy nevertheless elected to consummate the spin-off, the spin-off would trigger a default under our revolving credit facility. Upon such a default, unless waived, our lenders would have all remedies available to a secured lender including terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, cause their loans to become immediately due and payable in full, and institute foreclosure proceedings against us or our assets and force us and our subsidiaries into bankruptcy or liquidation.
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.




























36




ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

Exhibits
Description
Method of Filing
 
 
 
Form of First Amendment To Amendment and Restatement of Master Cooperation and Safety Agreement by and between CNX Thermal Holdings LLC, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC and Conhrein Coal Company and CNX Gas Company LLC dated July 7, 2015, dated January 7, 2016
Filed herewith
 
 
 
Separation of Employment and General Release Agreement effective August 2, 2017 by and among CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, CONSOL Energy Inc. and Lorraine Ritter
Filed herewith
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
 
 
 
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.
Filed herewith
 
 
 
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.
Filed herewith
 
 
 
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101
Interactive Data File (Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017, furnished in XBRL).
Filed herewith


37



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.

Dated: October 31, 2017
 
CNX Coal Resources LP
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
 
By:
 
/s/ JAMES A. BROCK
 
 
 
James A. Brock
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
 
By:
 
/s/ DAVID M. KHANI
 
 
 
David M. Khani
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
CNX Coal Resources GP LLC, its general partner
 
By:
 
/s/ JOHN M. ROTHKA
 
 
 
John M. Rothka
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)


38