CONSOL Energy Announces Results for the First Quarter 2021
CONSOL Energy reported strong financial results for Q1 2021, achieving a GAAP net income of $26.4 million and adjusted EBITDA of $106.7 million. The company shipped 6.9 million tons of coal, with notable export sales of 3.3 million tons, representing 48% of total sales volume. Operating cash flow reached $78 million and free cash flow totaled $72.7 million. CONSOL reduced its consolidated indebtedness by $62.7 million and increased its repurchase authorization by $50 million. Looking ahead, the company projects coal sales of 22-24 million tons for 2021.
- GAAP net income of $26.4 million for Q1 2021.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $106.7 million indicates strong operational performance.
- Record coal shipments of 6.9 million tons, highest since Q2 2019.
- Free cash flow of $72.7 million and operating cash flow of $78 million bolster financial stability.
- Successful reduction of $62.7 million in consolidated indebtedness.
- Increased repurchase authorization by $50 million to strengthen shareholder value.
- Record quarterly export sales of 3.3 million tons, accounting for 48% of total sales.
- Total costs and expenses increased to $310.6 million compared to $286.9 million year-over-year.
- Average revenue per ton sold decreased to $41.39 from $43.16 in the prior year.
CANONSBURG, Pa., May 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CEIX) reported financial and operating results for the period ended March 31, 2021.
First Quarter 2021 Highlights Include:
- GAAP net income of
$26.4 million ; - Coal shipments improve to 6.9 million tons, the highest level since 2Q19;
- Quarterly adjusted EBITDA1 of
$106.7 million ; - Net cash provided by operating activities of
$78.0 million ; - Quarterly free cash flow1 of
$72.7 million ; - Total costs and expenses of
$310.6 million ; - Average cash cost of coal sold per ton1 of
$24.44 ; - Record quarterly export sales of 3.3 million tons, amounting to
48% of our total sales volume; - Proceeds from asset sales of
$8.5 million supplements operating cash flow; - Cash and cash equivalents of
$91.2 million as of March 31, 2021; - Reduction in consolidated indebtedness per credit agreement of
$62.7 million ; - Net leverage ratio1 of 1.97x as of March 31, 2021;
- Increased repurchase authorization by
$50 million ; and - Accessed tax-exempt capital market for future funding needs in an oversubscribed offering.
Management Comments
"In the first quarter of 2021, we built on our strong finish to 2020 by producing and selling nearly 7.0 million tons and expanding our cash margins, as our customers' demand rebounded strongly," said Jimmy Brock, President and Chief Executive Officer of CONSOL Energy Inc. "During the quarter, we continued our pivot to the export markets by expanding our relationships with a wider global end-user customer base including penetrating new markets. In addition, we impressively achieved a sub-
"On the safety front, our Bailey Preparation Plant, CONSOL Marine Terminal (CMT) and Itmann project each had ZERO recordable incidents during the first quarter of 2021. Our total recordable incident rate at the PAMC was improved by
Pennsylvania Mining Complex (PAMC) Review and Outlook
PAMC Sales and Marketing
Our marketing team sold 6.9 million tons of coal during the first quarter of 2021 at an average revenue per ton of
In the domestic market, the first quarter of 2021 further built upon the strong end to 2020 from a demand perspective. The average PJM West day-ahead power price and average Henry Hub natural gas spot price ended 1Q21 improved by
On the export front, we have seen sustained improvements in the seaborne thermal coal market since the end of the third quarter of 2020. Pet coke prices continue to remain high as a result of reduced oil production propping up demand and pricing for NAPP coal in high calorific value markets, particularly India. Global LNG prices also have continued to remain elevated with the Asian spot market benchmark price (JKM) ending the first quarter
Operations Summary
During the first quarter of 2021, we consistently ran four longwalls, but as demand exceeded our production, we opportunistically ran the fifth longwall to meet the improved demand. This now marks the third consecutive quarter in which we have steadily increased our production, achieving our strongest first quarter production on record at the PAMC in spite of running less than a full five longwall schedule. The PAMC produced 7.0 million tons in the first quarter of 2021, which compares to 6.0 million tons in the year-ago quarter. The significant improvement compared to the prior year was due to the improved demand for our product and no longwall moves in the quarter.
CEIX's total costs and expenses during the first quarter of 2021 were
Three Months Ended | |||||||
March 31, | March 31, | ||||||
Coal Production | million tons | 7.0 | 6.0 | ||||
Coal Sales | million tons | 6.9 | 5.9 | ||||
Average Revenue per Ton Sold | per ton | ||||||
Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton1 | per ton | ||||||
Average Cash Margin per Ton Sold1 | per ton | ||||||
CONSOL Marine Terminal (CMT) Review
For the first quarter of 2021, throughput volumes at the CMT were 4.1 million tons, compared to 3.4 million tons in the year-ago period. Terminal revenues and CMT operating cash costs1 were
Debt Repurchases Update
During the first quarter of 2021, CEIX made mandatory repayments of
Increasing Repurchase Authorization
The management team continues to see open market debt repurchases as a very effective tool to reduce our leverage ratio, strengthen the balance sheet, and create long-term shareholder value while maintaining control over the liquidity needs of the Company. In order to help the management team continue to execute this strategy, the board of directors of CONSOL Energy has increased its previously authorized repurchase program by an additional
Tax-Exempt Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds
At the end of the first quarter of 2021, CEIX successfully priced
2021 Guidance and Outlook
Based on our current contracted position, estimated prices and production plans, we are providing the following financial and operating performance guidance for 2021:
- 2021 targeted coal sales volume of 22-24 million tons
- 20.5 million tons contracted at an average revenue per ton of
$42.35 /ton - Average cash cost of coal sold per ton2 expectation of
$27.00 -$29.00 /ton - Capital expenditures of
$100 -$125 million excluding any spending on the Itmann project
First Quarter Earnings Conference Call
A conference call and webcast, during which management will discuss the first quarter 2021 financial and operational results, is scheduled for May 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM eastern time. Prepared remarks by members of management will be followed by a question and answer session. Interested parties may listen via webcast on the "Events and Presentations" page of our website, www.consolenergy.com. An archive of the webcast will be available for 30 days after the event.
Participant dial in (toll free) | 1-877-226-2859 |
Participant international dial in | 1-412-542-4134 |
Availability of Additional Information
Please refer to our website, www.consolenergy.com, for additional information regarding the company. In addition, we may provide other information about the company from time to time on our website.
We will also file our Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting our results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 on May 4, 2021. Investors seeking our detailed financial statements can refer to the Form 10-Q once it has been filed with the SEC.
Footnotes:
1 "Adjusted EBITDA", "Free Cash Flow", "Net Leverage Ratio" and "CMT Adjusted EBITDA" are non-GAAP financial measures and "Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton", "Average Cash Margin per Ton Sold" and "CMT Operating Cash Costs" are operating ratios derived from non-GAAP financial measures, each of which are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures below, under the caption "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
2 CEIX is unable to provide a reconciliation of Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton guidance, an operating ratio derived from non-GAAP financial measures, due to the unknown effect, timing and potential significance of certain income statement items.
About CONSOL Energy Inc.
CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CEIX) is a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based producer and exporter of high-Btu bituminous thermal coal and metallurgical coal. It owns and operates some of the most productive longwall mining operations in the Northern Appalachian Basin and is developing a new metallurgical coal mine (the Itmann project) in the Central Appalachian Basin. CONSOL's flagship operation is the Pennsylvania Mining Complex, which has the capacity to produce approximately 28.5 million tons of coal per year and is comprised of 3 large-scale underground mines: Bailey, Enlow Fork, and Harvey. The company also owns and operates the CONSOL Marine Terminal, which is located in the port of Baltimore and has a throughput capacity of approximately 15 million tons per year. In addition to the ~658 million reserve tons associated with the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and the ~21 million reserve tons associated with the Itmann project, the company also controls approximately 1.5 billion tons of greenfield thermal and metallurgical coal reserves located in the major coal-producing basins of the eastern United States. Additional information regarding CONSOL Energy may be found at www.consolenergy.com.
Contacts:
Investor:
Nathan Tucker, (724) 416-8336
nathantucker@consolenergy.com
Media:
Zach Smith, (724) 416-8291
zacherysmith@consolenergy.com
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
The following table presents the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 26,404 | $ | 2,475 | ||||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 59,897 | 54,943 | ||||||
Other Non-Cash Adjustments to Net Income | 155 | (8,138) | ||||||
Changes in Working Capital | (8,460) | 2,120 | ||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 77,996 | 51,400 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Capital Expenditures | (13,800) | (27,178) | ||||||
Proceeds from Sales of Assets | 8,488 | — | ||||||
Other Investing Activity | (182) | — | ||||||
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (5,494) | (27,178) | ||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Net Payments on Long-Term Debt, Including Fees | (29,803) | (18,698) | ||||||
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest | — | (5,575) | ||||||
Other Financing Activities | (2,072) | (1,415) | ||||||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (31,875) | (25,688) | ||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | 40,627 | (1,466) | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | 50,850 | 80,293 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | 91,477 | $ | 78,827 | ||||
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We evaluate our cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold on an aggregate basis. 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 includes items such as direct operating costs, royalty and production taxes, direct administration costs, and depreciation, depletion and amortization costs on production assets. Our costs exclude any indirect costs, such as selling, general and administrative costs, freight expenses, interest expenses, depreciation, depletion and amortization costs on non-production assets and other costs not directly attributable to the production of coal. The cash cost of coal sold includes cost of coal sold less depreciation, depletion and amortization costs on production assets. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold is total costs and expenses.
The following table presents a reconciliation of cost of coal sold and cash cost of coal sold to total costs and expenses, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 310,562 | $ | 286,873 | ||||
Freight Expense | (27,013) | (3,147) | ||||||
Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (23,964) | (17,670) | ||||||
Gain on Debt Extinguishment | 683 | 16,833 | ||||||
Interest Expense, net | (15,261) | (15,671) | ||||||
Other Costs (Non-Production) | (18,246) | (20,882) | ||||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production) | (7,883) | (9,363) | ||||||
Cost of Coal Sold | $ | 218,878 | $ | 236,973 | ||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Production) | (52,014) | (45,580) | ||||||
Cash Cost of Coal Sold | $ | 166,864 | $ | 191,393 | ||||
We define average margin per ton sold as average revenue per ton sold, net of average cost of coal sold per ton. We define average cash margin per ton sold as average revenue per ton sold, net of average cash cost of coal sold per ton. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to average margin per ton sold and average cash margin per ton sold is total coal revenue.
The following table presents a reconciliation of average margin per ton sold and average cash margin per ton sold to total coal revenue, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands, except per ton information).
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total Coal Revenue (PAMC Segment) | $ | 284,465 | $ | 255,452 | ||||
Operating and Other Costs | 185,110 | 212,275 | ||||||
Less: Other Costs (Non-Production) | (18,246) | (20,882) | ||||||
Total Cash Cost of Coal Sold | 166,864 | 191,393 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 59,897 | 54,943 | ||||||
Less: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Production) | (7,883) | (9,363) | ||||||
Total Cost of Coal Sold | $ | 218,878 | $ | 236,973 | ||||
Total Tons Sold (in millions) | 6.9 | 5.9 | ||||||
Average Revenue per Ton Sold | $ | 41.39 | $ | 43.16 | ||||
Average Cash Cost of Coal Sold per Ton | 24.44 | 32.41 | ||||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs per Ton Sold | 7.41 | 7.63 | ||||||
Average Cost of Coal Sold per Ton | 31.85 | 40.04 | ||||||
Average Margin per Ton Sold | 9.54 | 3.12 | ||||||
Add: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Costs per Ton Sold | 7.41 | 7.63 | ||||||
Average Cash Margin per Ton Sold | $ | 16.95 | $ | 10.75 | ||||
We define CMT operating costs as operating and other costs related to throughput tons. CMT operating costs exclude any indirect costs, such as selling, general and administrative costs, direct administration costs, interest expenses, and other costs not directly attributable to throughput tons. CMT operating cash costs include CMT operating costs, less depreciation, depletion and amortization costs. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to CMT operating costs and CMT operating cash costs is total costs and expenses.
The following table presents a reconciliation of CMT operating costs and CMT operating cash costs to total costs and expenses, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total Costs and Expenses | $ | 310,562 | $ | 286,873 | ||||
Freight Expense | (27,013) | (3,147) | ||||||
Selling, General and Administrative Costs | (23,964) | (17,670) | ||||||
Gain on Debt Extinguishment | 683 | 16,833 | ||||||
Interest Expense, net | (15,261) | (15,671) | ||||||
Other Costs (Non-Throughput) | (179,778) | (207,094) | ||||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Non-Throughput) | (58,683) | (53,686) | ||||||
CMT Operating Costs | $ | 6,546 | $ | 6,438 | ||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (Throughput) | (1,214) | (1,257) | ||||||
CMT Operating Cash Costs | $ | 5,332 | $ | 5,181 | ||||
We define adjusted EBITDA as (i) net income (loss) plus income taxes, net interest expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization, as adjusted for (ii) certain non-cash items, such as long-term incentive awards. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss).
The following tables present a reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
PA Mining | CONSOL | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 42,450 | $ | 9,149 | $ | (25,195) | $ | 26,404 | ||||||||
Add: Income Tax Expense | — | — | 5,185 | 5,185 | ||||||||||||
Add: Interest Expense, net | 642 | 1,537 | 13,082 | 15,261 | ||||||||||||
Less: Interest Income | — | — | (858) | (858) | ||||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) | 43,092 | 10,686 | (7,786) | 45,992 | ||||||||||||
Add: Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization | 54,781 | 1,214 | 3,902 | 59,897 | ||||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Before Interest, Taxes and DD&A (EBITDA) | $ | 97,873 | $ | 11,900 | $ | (3,884) | $ | 105,889 | ||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-Based Compensation | $ | 1,312 | $ | 61 | $ | 136 | $ | 1,509 | ||||||||
Gain on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | (683) | (683) | ||||||||||||
Total Pre-tax Adjustments | 1,312 | 61 | (547) | 826 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 99,185 | $ | 11,961 | $ | (4,431) | $ | 106,715 | ||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
PA Mining | CONSOL | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 10,875 | $ | 7,510 | $ | (15,910) | $ | 2,475 | ||||||||
Add: Income Tax Expense | — | — | 1,908 | 1,908 | ||||||||||||
Add: Interest Expense, net | — | 1,544 | 14,127 | 15,671 | ||||||||||||
Less: Interest Income | — | — | (244) | (244) | ||||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) | 10,875 | 9,054 | (119) | 19,810 | ||||||||||||
Add: Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization | 48,418 | 1,257 | 5,268 | 54,943 | ||||||||||||
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and DD&A (EBITDA) | $ | 59,293 | $ | 10,311 | $ | 5,149 | $ | 74,753 | ||||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Stock/Unit-Based Compensation | $ | 4,286 | $ | 243 | $ | 485 | $ | 5,014 | ||||||||
Gain on Debt Extinguishment | — | — | (16,833) | (16,833) | ||||||||||||
Total Pre-tax Adjustments | 4,286 | 243 | (16,348) | (11,819) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 63,579 | $ | 10,554 | $ | (11,199) | $ | 62,934 | ||||||||
We define net leverage ratio as the ratio of net debt to the last twelve months' ("LTM") earnings before interest expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization, adjusted for certain non-cash items, such as long-term incentive awards, amortization of debt issuance costs and capitalized interest.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net leverage ratio (in thousands).
Twelve Months | Twelve Months | |||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 10,715 | $ | 75,730 | ||||
Plus: | ||||||||
Interest Expense, net | 60,776 | 63,539 | ||||||
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization | 215,714 | 211,316 | ||||||
Income Taxes | 7,249 | 7,297 | ||||||
Stock/Unit-Based Compensation | 8,074 | 10,324 | ||||||
Gain on Debt Extinguishment | (5,202) | (15,521) | ||||||
CCR Adjusted EBITDA per Credit Agreement | — | (88,002) | ||||||
Cash Distributions from CONSOL Coal Resources LP | — | 26,716 | ||||||
Cash Payments for Legacy Employee Liabilities, Net of Non-Cash Expense | (21,208) | (19,750) | ||||||
Other Adjustments to Net Income | 3,309 | 8,759 | ||||||
Consolidated EBITDA per Credit Agreement | $ | 279,427 | $ | 280,408 | ||||
Consolidated First Lien Debt | $ | 382,454 | $ | 406,077 | ||||
Senior Secured Second Lien Notes | 156,957 | 178,452 | ||||||
MEDCO Revenue Bonds | 102,865 | 102,865 | ||||||
Advance Royalty Commitments | 2,185 | 1,895 | ||||||
Consolidated Indebtedness per Credit Agreement | 644,461 | 689,289 | ||||||
Less: | ||||||||
Advance Royalty Commitments | 2,185 | 1,895 | ||||||
Cash on Hand | 91,174 | 77,943 | ||||||
Consolidated Net Indebtedness per Credit Agreement | $ | 551,102 | $ | 609,451 | ||||
Net Leverage Ratio (Net Indebtedness/EBITDA) | 1.97 | 2.17 | ||||||
Free cash flow, organic free cash flow and organic free cash flow net to CEIX shareholders are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that these measures are meaningful to investors because management reviews cash flows generated from operations and non-core asset sales after taking into consideration capital expenditures due to the fact that these expenditures are considered necessary to maintain and expand CONSOL's asset base and are expected to generate future cash flows from operations. It is important to note that free cash flow, organic free cash flow and organic free cash flow net to CEIX shareholders do not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since other non-discretionary expenditures, such as mandatory debt service requirements, are not deducted from the measure. The following tables present a reconciliation of free cash flow, organic free cash flow and organic free cash flow net to CEIX shareholders to net cash provided by operations, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, on a historical basis, for each of the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
Organic Free Cash Flow | March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operations | $ | 77,996 | $ | 51,400 | ||||
Capital Expenditures | (13,800) | (27,178) | ||||||
Organic Free Cash Flow | $ | 64,196 | $ | 24,222 | ||||
Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest | — | (5,575) | ||||||
Organic Free Cash Flow Net to CEIX Shareholders | $ | 64,196 | $ | 18,647 | ||||
Free Cash Flow | March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operations | $ | 77,996 | $ | 51,400 | ||||
Capital Expenditures | (13,800) | (27,178) | ||||||
Proceeds from Sales of Assets | 8,488 | — | ||||||
Free Cash Flow | $ | 72,684 | $ | 24,222 | ||||
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results projected in or implied by such forward-looking statements. 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 "anticipate," "believe," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," "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. 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. Specific risks, contingencies and uncertainties are discussed in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and CEIX disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE CONSOL Energy Inc.
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