-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Vyp6PCNWMLjJFwIkM3Ft9obrWJitcvI1Bq0Mg2G//K4nBxNGw2f4vpA2whlJkNb0 FSTxwAMxGr7z//9RO1NNwg== 0000950124-07-005207.txt : 20071019 0000950124-07-005207.hdr.sgml : 20071019 20071019090732 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950124-07-005207 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071019 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20071019 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20071019 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ARCH COAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001037676 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: BITUMINOUS COAL & LIGNITE SURFACE MINING [1221] IRS NUMBER: 430921172 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13105 FILM NUMBER: 071180080 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: CITY PLACE ONE STE 300 STREET 2: ARCH MINERAL CORP CITY: ST LOUIS STATE: MO ZIP: 63141 BUSINESS PHONE: 3149942700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: CITYPLACE ONE SUITE 300 STREET 2: ARCH MINERAL CORP CITY: CREVE COEUR STATE: MO ZIP: 63141 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ARCH MINERAL CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970411 8-K 1 c19454e8vk.htm CURRENT REPORT e8vk
 

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 19, 2007 (October 19, 2007)
Arch Coal, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
  1-13105
(Commission File Number)
  43-0921172
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
CityPlace One
One CityPlace Drive, Suite 300
St. Louis, Missouri 63141
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (314) 994-2700
     Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
     o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
     o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
     o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
     o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 


 

Item 2.02   Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
     On October 19, 2007, Arch Coal, Inc. issued a press release containing its third quarter 2007 financial results and providing updated guidance on its 2007 forecasted results. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as exhibit 99.1.
     The information contained in Item 2.02 and the exhibit attached hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01   Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)   Exhibits
     The following exhibit is attached hereto and filed herewith.
     
Exhibit    
No.   Description
 
   
99.1
  Press release dated October 19, 2007.

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Signatures
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
         
Dated: October 19, 2007  Arch Coal, Inc.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Robert G. Jones    
    Robert G. Jones   
    Vice President -- Law, General Counsel and Secretary   

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Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit    
No.   Description
 
   
99.1
  Press release dated October 19, 2007.

EX-99.1 2 c19454exv99w1.htm PRESS RELEASE exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1
News from
Arch Coal, Inc.
  (ARCH LOGO)
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Deck S. Slone
Vice President, Investor Relations and Public Affairs
314/994-2717
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arch Coal, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2007 Results
Arch Coal delivers a solid operating performance in improving U.S. coal market
                                   
 
    Earnings Highlights      
    Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended
In $ millions, except per share data   9/30/2007   9/30/2006     9/30/2007   9/30/2006
Revenues
  $ 599.2     $ 610.0       $ 1,769.2     $ 1,882.1  
Income from Operations
    49.8       82.2         154.5       276.2  
Net Income1
    27.2       50.8         93.4       181.0  
Fully Diluted EPS
    0.19       0.35         0.65       1.25  
       
Adjusted EBITDA2
  $ 108.5     $ 135.8       $ 328.8     $ 427.4  
 
1/- Net income available to common shareholders.
 
2/- Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” in this release.
 
     ST. LOUIS (October 19, 2007) — Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) today reported third quarter 2007 net income available to common shareholders of $27.2 million, or $0.19 per fully diluted share, compared with $50.8 million, or $0.35 per fully diluted share, in the prior-year period. Arch recorded income from operations of $49.8 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of $108.5 million in the quarter just ended. During the third quarter of 2006, Arch earned $82.2 million of operating income and $135.8 million of adjusted EBITDA.
     For the first nine months of 2007, Arch earned net income available to common shareholders of $93.4 million and adjusted EBITDA of $328.8 million. In the prior-year period, when market conditions were appreciably stronger, Arch reported net income available to common shareholders of $181.0 million and adjusted EBITDA of $427.4 million.
     “Arch Coal continued to deliver solid operating results during the third quarter of 2007, despite weaker market conditions than in the year-ago period,” said Steven F. Leer, Arch’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Additionally, Arch completed work on the development of the Mountain Laurel complex in Central Appalachia and made a strategic investment in coal reserves in the Illinois Basin. We are pleased to announce the early start-up of Mountain Laurel’s longwall on October 1, and expect output from this mine to increase our participation in international and domestic metallurgical and pulverized coal injection markets in future periods.”

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     “U.S. coal market fundamentals improved during the third quarter, and momentum appears to be increasing as we move through the fourth quarter due to positive trends in key demand and supply factors,” continued Leer. “Almost all signs support our view that coal markets will continue to improve throughout 2008. As a result, Arch is committed to following a market-driven strategy, which is in the best interest of our shareholders. We believe our unpriced sales position provides the company with leverage to the upside potential of coal markets, and we expect this leverage to translate into substantial shareholder value as markets strengthen.”
Arch Announces the Start-Up of its Mountain Laurel Operation
     On October 1, 2007, the longwall at Arch’s Mountain Laurel complex in Central Appalachia began production. The company anticipates the complex will produce roughly 0.9 million tons during the fourth quarter of 2007 as the longwall ramps up to full production, with the expectation that the complex will produce between 4 million and 5 million tons in 2008. Arch will focus on placing coal from Mountain Laurel’s operation into international and domestic metallurgical coal markets and domestic pulverized coal injection markets, with the flexibility to sell some tonnage into export or domestic thermal markets as opportunities arise.
     “The timing for the Mountain Laurel longwall start-up is extremely advantageous given booming world metallurgical markets and stronger export steam markets,” said Leer. “U.S. coal exports are likely to grow in 2008 due to tight international supply conditions, as well as global infrastructure and transportation constraints. As a result, we expect international customers to increasingly view U.S. coal supplies as an alternative and diversified supply source. Looking ahead, we expect our Mountain Laurel operation to deliver a very strong return on our investment given its superior geology and strategic access to export markets.”
     The ramp-up of production at Mountain Laurel began earlier than anticipated due to the successful start of the newly installed longwall, preparation plant and loadout facility at the complex. The new operation will more than replace production from Arch’s depleted longwall mine at the Mingo Logan Ben Creek complex, which contributed approximately 1 million tons during the first half of 2007 prior to being sold at the end of June. Additionally, Mountain Laurel’s low-cost reserve base is expected to benefit Arch’s competitive cash cost structure in Central Appalachia in future periods.
Arch Adds Coal Reserves in the Illinois Basin
     In September 2007, Arch acquired approximately 157 million tons of recoverable coal reserves and significant surface acreage in the Illinois Basin from International Coal Group, Inc. for $38.9 million. This acquisition expands Arch’s footprint in Illinois and gives the company control of more than 375 million tons of coal reserves in the region. Additionally, synergies with Arch’s existing reserve base have created a nearly 300-million-ton continuous reserve block of high-quality, low-chlorine bituminous coal well suited for scrubbed power generation units.
     “This strategic acquisition further enhances Arch’s substantial reserve position in Illinois, a market where Arch previously had a long and successful history,” said Leer. “Additionally, the transaction will allow Arch to build a low-cost platform for future growth in the region. We expect the Illinois Basin to play a more significant role in U.S. energy markets over the next decade, and envision that Arch’s expanded position in the region would eventually support a

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mine development for the domestic utility market or a coal-to-liquids facility, depending on future market conditions.”
Arch’s Operations Continue to Deliver a Solid Performance
     “Our operations continued to perform well during the third quarter of 2007, reflecting our ongoing ability to manage through downturns in U.S. coal markets,” said John W. Eaves, Arch’s president and chief operating officer. “We held the line on operating costs, and I’m pleased to highlight the decline in our cash costs in Central Appalachia to under $40 per ton for the third quarter.”
     “Looking ahead, we will continue to place an emphasis on production flexibility and cost control at our operations,” continued Eaves. “These initiatives, coupled with improving market conditions, should help to drive even stronger future operational performance.”
                             
 
              Arch Coal, Inc.      
    3Q06     2Q07     3Q07
Tons sold (in millions)
    32.0         33.3         34.0  
Average sales price per ton
  $ 16.31       $ 16.42       $ 16.02  
             
Cash cost per ton
  $ 12.04       $ 12.95       $ 12.44  
Cash margin per ton
  $ 4.27       $ 3.47       $ 3.58  
             
Total operating cost per ton
  $ 13.71       $ 14.67       $ 14.15  
Operating margin per ton
  $ 2.60       $ 1.75       $ 1.87  
             
Consolidated results may not tie to regional breakout due to rounding. Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers. Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization per ton. Arch acts as an intermediary on certain pass-through transactions that have no effect on company results. These transactions are not reflected in this table. In addition, Arch services some legacy sales contracts by purchasing and supplying third-party coal and records offsetting revenue and expenses against a reserve established to account for these transactions. A supplemental regional schedule for all quarters beginning with FY05 can be found in the investor section of www.archcoal.com.
 
     Consolidated average sales price per ton declined $0.40 in the third quarter of 2007 when compared with the second quarter, primarily reflecting a larger mix of Powder River Basin volume. Consolidated average sales price per ton also was impacted by the sale of Mingo Logan’s Ben Creek complex at the end of June, which lowered volume and price realization contributions from Central Appalachia during the third quarter of 2007. Consolidated operating cost per ton declined $0.52 in the third quarter of 2007 when compared with the prior-quarter period, benefiting from changes in the company’s overall production mix and cost control efforts. As a result, Arch’s consolidated operating margin expanded to $1.87 per ton in the third quarter of 2007 compared with $1.75 per ton in the prior-quarter period.

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              Powder River Basin      
    3Q06     2Q07     3Q07
Tons sold (in millions)
    24.6         24.9         25.9  
Average sales price per ton
  $ 10.50       $ 10.51       $ 10.66  
             
Cash cost per ton
  $ 7.56       $ 8.24       $ 8.25  
Cash margin per ton
  $ 2.94       $ 2.27       $ 2.41  
             
Total operating cost per ton
  $ 8.70       $ 9.41       $ 9.41  
Operating margin per ton
  $ 1.80       $ 1.10       $ 1.25  
             
Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization per ton.
 
     In the Powder River Basin, Arch’s third quarter 2007 volumes increased slightly when compared with the prior quarter period due to more favorable weather conditions and rail performance when compared with the first half of 2007, as well as increased brokerage activity. Average sales price per ton increased $0.15 in the third quarter of 2007 when compared with the second quarter, benefiting from higher pricing on Arch’s contract portfolio due to the increased value of sulfur dioxide emission allowances, and higher pricing on market index-priced tons. Third quarter 2007 per-ton operating costs in the Powder River Basin remained flat despite commodity cost pressures, resulting in the expansion of operating margin to $1.25 per ton compared with $1.10 per ton in the second quarter of 2007.
                             
 
    Western Bituminous
    3Q06     2Q07     3Q07
Tons sold (in millions)
    4.2         5.0         5.1  
Average sales price per ton
  $ 24.22       $ 24.13       $ 25.16  
             
Cash cost per ton
  $ 15.09 *     $ 17.28       $ 17.38  
Cash margin per ton
  $ 9.13 *     $ 6.85       $ 7.78  
             
Total operating cost per ton
  $ 18.02 *     $ 20.35       $ 20.73  
Operating margin per ton
  $ 6.20 *     $ 3.78       $ 4.43  
             
Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization per ton.
*Includes $10 million of proceeds from insurance recoveries related to West Elk outage.
 
     In the Western Bituminous region, average sales price per ton increased $1.03 in the third quarter of 2007 when compared with the second quarter, benefiting from a more favorable sales contract mix and higher pricing on Arch’s contract portfolio due to the increased value of sulfur dioxide emission allowances. Operating costs per ton increased $0.38 over the same time period, in part due to increased production from Arch’s higher cost mines in the region. Arch’s third quarter 2007 per-ton operating margin in the Western Bituminous region expanded to $4.43 compared with $3.78 in the prior-quarter period.

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    Central Appalachia
    3Q06     2Q07     3Q07
Tons sold (in millions)
    3.2         3.4         3.0  
Average sales price per ton
  $ 50.91       $ 48.36       $ 46.41  
             
Cash cost per ton
  $ 42.71       $ 41.04       $ 39.87  
Cash margin per ton
  $ 8.20       $ 7.32       $ 6.54  
             
Total operating cost per ton
  $ 46.76       $ 44.85       $ 43.55  
Operating margin per ton
  $ 4.15       $ 3.51       $ 2.86  
             
Above figures exclude transportation costs billed to customers.
Operating cost per ton includes depreciation, depletion and amortization per ton. Arch acts as an intermediary on certain pass-through transactions that have no effect on company results. These transactions are not reflected in this table. In addition, Arch services some legacy sales contracts by purchasing and supplying third-party coal and records offsetting revenue and expenses against a reserve established to account for these transactions.
 
     In the Central Appalachian region, Arch’s third quarter 2007 volumes declined 0.4 million tons when compared with the prior quarter period due to the sale of the aforementioned Mingo Logan Ben Creek complex at the end of June. Average sales price per ton declined $1.95 in the third quarter of 2007 when compared with the second quarter as a result of lower metallurgical coal sales stemming from the sale the Ben Creek operation. Operating costs per ton declined $1.30 over the same time period, benefiting from the divestiture of Arch’s highest-cost mine in the region and from strong cost performances at Arch’s current mine portfolio. Beginning in the fourth quarter, Arch’s regional analysis will reflect the impact of its Mountain Laurel longwall mining complex.
Arch Looks Ahead to Stronger U.S. Coal Markets in 2008
     International metallurgical and thermal coal markets are robust, as evidenced by recent seaborne thermal trades that have crossed the $120 per metric ton mark for delivery into northern Europe. Key drivers of higher seaborne coal prices include increased steel demand and higher steam coal consumption in developing nations, particularly Asia, as well as supply, infrastructure and transportation constraints in traditional export nations.
     There is evidence to suggest that U.S. coal markets are already responding to the tightness experienced in international coal markets. Arch estimates that U.S. coal import growth was stagnant year-to-date through August 2007, as supply has been diverted into the higher-priced seaborne trade. Over the same time frame, U.S. coal export growth has increased by more than 6 million tons, and is expected to grow throughout the remainder of this year and into next year.
     On the domestic demand side, U.S. electric generation demand increased 2.9 percent year-to-date through the second week of October 2007, according to statistics compiled by the Edison Electric Institute. In fact, average monthly electric output, as measured in millions of kilowatt-hours, was particularly strong in August and September 2007 — up more than 3.8 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively — driven by warmer-than-normal temperatures. Arch estimates that coal consumption for power demand in the electric power sector reached an all-time monthly record of close to 100 million tons in August, and believes that final September coal consumption figures for electricity generation will set a record in that month as well.

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     On the supply-side, coal production has declined approximately 13 million tons year-to-date through the second week of October 2007, according to government estimates. The primary driver of this decline is production shortfalls in Central Appalachia, where volume was down by close to 9 million tons through the first 41 weeks of the year. Looking ahead, Arch continues to expect significant regulatory hurdles in Central Appalachia to constrain production in that region.
     Consequently, Arch believes that U.S. generator coal stockpile levels have declined to roughly 135 million tons at the end of September 2007, which is below the level at which the year began. On an annualized days supply basis, which does not reflect seasonality, Arch estimates that generators had approximately 47 days of supply available in stockpiles at September 30, which is four days above the five-year annualized average of 43 days.
     “The positive drivers contributing to strength in international coal markets are likely to have a spillover effect into domestic coal markets,” said Leer. “We have already seen coal pricing in Appalachia increase in response to these dynamics, and expect further price appreciation across all domestic coal regions as we move into 2008.”
     Over the long-term, Arch remains positive on U.S. coal market fundamentals. Since the last update, Arch estimates that at least 14 gigawatts of new coal-fueled capacity are now under construction in the U.S., representing the addition of roughly 50 million tons of annual coal demand. These identified plants will be phased in over the next four years, with more than 85 percent of the capacity online by the end of 2010. Furthermore, more than 5 gigawatts — representing close to 20 million tons of incremental annual coal demand — are currently in advanced stages of development. Arch expects the majority of these plants to be built during the next five years.
     “We’re pleased with the recent progress on these new coal-based units,” continued Leer. “These capacity additions are the right decision for the country, as they will benefit American consumers by giving them access to affordable, reliable and secure energy sources for decades to come.”
Arch Selectively Adds to Sales Contract Portfolio
     Since last quarter, Arch selectively signed sales commitments totaling approximately 5 million tons across the company’s operating regions for 2008 and 2009 delivery, at prices that significantly exceeded average realized pricing during the third quarter of 2007. Additionally, in recent weeks, Arch has successfully placed initial volumes out of its new Mountain Laurel operation into the export and domestic metallurgical coal markets, as well as the domestic pulverized coal injection markets, for 2008 delivery at very advantageous pricing. Additional near-term business has been placed in the export thermal markets at premiums to domestic thermal markets.
     “We’re pleased with the pricing levels achieved on our committed tonnage during the third quarter and are clearly excited about the successful start to the Mountain Laurel operation,” said Eaves. “We continue to follow a market-driven strategy, which focuses on achieving a sufficient return for all of our valuable coal reserves. Given our expectation for improving U.S. coal market fundamentals, we believe that maintaining a significant unpriced position at this time is advantageous for Arch and our shareholders. In fact, increases in coal index reference pricing

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since the first half of 2007 have served to further validate this strategy.”
     At present, Arch has unpriced volumes of less than 2 million tons for 2007 delivery; between 45 million and 55 million tons for 2008 delivery; and between 100 million and 110 million tons for 2009 delivery.
Arch Celebrates Key Safety and Environmental Awards
     Arch’s Band Mill No. 2 mine, part of the Cumberland River mining complex in Central Appalachia, was honored with the U.S. Department of Labor’s prestigious Sentinels of Safety award as the nation’s safest underground mine in 2006. This recognition marks the second year in a row that an Arch subsidiary has been awarded the highest national safety award in the large underground mining category. Arch’s Skyline mine in Utah earned the 2005 Sentinels of Safety award last year.
     Additionally, two of Arch’s subsidiaries were honored with environmental and corporate citizenship awards during the third quarter of 2007. Arch’s Holden 22 mine, part of Coal-Mac’s operations in Central Appalachia, was recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior for demonstrating the best reclamation and stewardship practices in the past year. Additionally, Arch’s Mountain Laurel mining complex was recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior for its exemplary interaction, communication and involvement with the surrounding communities. Mountain Laurel is the third Arch Coal subsidiary in four years to earn a national Good Neighbor Award since the award was created in 2003.
     “We’re proud of the accomplishments earned by our employees, which exemplifies Arch’s commitment in key areas of safety, environmental excellence and corporate citizenship,” said Leer. “These areas are the building blocks upon which Arch’s reputation and legacy in the communities in which we operate are built.”
Arch Tightens Guidance Range for 2007
     Arch now expects total sales volume for 2007 to be between 128 million to 133 million tons, which includes additional brokerage opportunities in the second half of 2007 as well as the early start-up of Mountain Laurel. This sales range also excludes approximately 3 million tons of pass-through activity. Earnings per share for 2007 is now projected to be within the range of $1.10 per share to $1.20 per share, while adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the $460 million to $490 million range. Furthermore, capital spending levels are now expected to total approximately $250 million, exclusive of reserve additions, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is expected to range between $240 million to $245 million.
     “We expect a strong finish in 2007 with the successful start-up of Mountain Laurel,” said Leer. “This year has been transitional for Arch’s Central Appalachian operations, as we persevered through challenging mining conditions in the final longwall panels at our Mingo Logan Ben Creek complex during the first half of the year, and overcame a ‘gap’ in operations during the third quarter created by the sale of this mine at the end of June.”
     “In 2008, we expect to more than double Arch’s metallurgical coal sales capabilities, aided by the addition of Mountain Laurel,” continued Leer. “Arch’s ability to tap into robust

7


 

seaborne and domestic met coal markets is a major focus of the company as we enter next year.”
     “Arch is particularly well-positioned to capitalize on improving market fundamentals given our size, diversity of operations, extensive low-sulfur reserve base and our meaningful uncommitted sales position,” added Leer. “We believe that strong demand pull and ongoing supply constraints around the world will continue to exert upward pressure on coal prices. Arch is strategically capable of supplying these improving markets and leveraging our superior low-cost asset base to create substantial value for our shareholders over the long-term.”
     A conference call regarding Arch Coal’s third quarter 2007 financial results will be webcast live today at 11 a.m. E.D.T. The conference call can be accessed via the “investor” section of the Arch Coal Web site (www.archcoal.com <http://www.archcoal.com>).
     St. Louis-based Arch Coal is one of the nation’s largest coal producers. The company’s core business is providing U.S. power generators with clean-burning, low-sulfur coal for electric generation. Through its national network of mines, Arch supplies the fuel for approximately 6 percent of the electricity generated in the United States.
     Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” — that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” or “will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties arise from changes in the demand for our coal by the domestic electric generation industry; from legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and other environmental initiatives; from operational, geological, permit, labor and weather-related factors; from fluctuations in the amount of cash we generate from operations; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For a description of some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, you should see the risk factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
# # #

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Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
 
                               
Revenues
                               
Coal sales
  $ 599,151     $ 610,045     $ 1,769,245     $ 1,882,074  
 
                               
Costs, expenses and other
                               
Cost of coal sales
    476,434       474,458       1,408,188       1,429,304  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    58,628       53,641       174,238       151,175  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    18,868       13,667       59,885       52,190  
Other operating income, net
    (4,603 )     (13,922 )     (27,603 )     (26,781 )
 
                       
 
    549,327       527,844       1,614,708       1,605,888  
 
                       
 
                               
Income from operations
    49,824       82,201       154,537       276,186  
 
                               
Interest expense, net:
                               
Interest expense
    (17,151 )     (16,233 )     (53,142 )     (48,228 )
Interest income
    513       631       1,637       3,146  
 
                       
 
    (16,638 )     (15,602 )     (51,505 )     (45,082 )
 
                       
 
                               
Other non-operating expense
                               
Expenses resulting from early debt extinguishment and termination of hedge accounting for interest rate swaps
    (370 )     (998 )     (1,919 )     (4,062 )
Other non-operating expense, net
    (436 )     (2,574 )     (207 )     (2,711 )
 
                       
 
    (806 )     (3,572 )     (2,126 )     (6,773 )
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    32,380       63,027       100,906       224,331  
Provision for income taxes
    5,100       12,100       7,350       43,000  
 
                       
Net income
    27,280       50,927       93,556       181,331  
Preferred stock dividends
    (53 )     (102 )     (166 )     (289 )
 
                       
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 27,227     $ 50,825     $ 93,390     $ 181,042  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per common share
                               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.35     $ 0.66     $ 1.27  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.35     $ 0.65     $ 1.25  
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding
                               
Basic
    142,627       143,422       142,392       143,044  
Diluted
    144,151       145,356       143,920       145,131  
 
                       
 
                               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.07     $ 0.06     $ 0.20     $ 0.16  
 
                       
 
                               
Adjusted EBITDA (A)
  $ 108,452     $ 135,842     $ 328,775     $ 427,361  
 
                       
(A) Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” later in this release.


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (unaudited)          
 
               
Assets
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,389     $ 2,523  
Trade accounts receivable
    197,005       212,185  
Other receivables
    19,060       48,588  
Inventories
    145,222       129,826  
Prepaid royalties
    15,868       6,743  
Deferred income taxes
    40,273       51,802  
Other
    31,731       35,610  
 
           
Total current assets
    452,548       487,277  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    2,467,072       2,243,068  
 
           
 
               
Other assets
               
Prepaid royalties
    114,463       112,667  
Goodwill
    40,032       40,032  
Deferred income taxes
    240,336       263,759  
Equity investments
    83,435       80,213  
Other
    86,143       93,798  
 
           
 
    564,409       590,469  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 3,484,029     $ 3,320,814  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 152,965     $ 198,875  
Accrued expenses
    169,042       190,746  
Current portion of debt
    160,703       51,185  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    482,710       440,806  
Long-term debt
    1,135,752       1,122,595  
Asset retirement obligations
    211,568       205,530  
Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension
    53,155       49,817  
Accrued workers’ compensation
    45,679       43,655  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    113,062       92,817  
 
           
Total liabilities
    2,041,926       1,955,220  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock
    1       2  
Common stock
    1,432       1,426  
Paid-in capital
    1,351,103       1,345,188  
Retained earnings
    102,033       38,147  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (12,466 )     (19,169 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,442,103       1,365,594  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 3,484,029     $ 3,320,814  
 
           


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)  
 
               
Operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 93,556     $ 181,331  
Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    174,238       151,175  
Prepaid royalties expensed
    8,452       6,649  
Net gain on disposition of assets
    (17,658 )     (323 )
Gain on investment of Knight Hawk Holdings, LLC
          (10,309 )
Employee stock-based compensation expense
    4,050       6,482  
Other non-operating expense
    2,126       6,773  
Changes in:
               
Receivables
    43,877       (30,130 )
Inventories
    (22,908 )     (40,648 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (76,283 )     (123,232 )
Income taxes
    6,382       46,162  
Other
    48,550       (774 )
 
           
 
               
Cash provided by operating activities
    264,382       193,156  
 
           
 
               
Investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (423,885 )     (474,201 )
Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment
    69,860       751  
Additions to prepaid royalties
    (19,373 )     (19,653 )
Purchases of investments/advances to affiliates
    (5,152 )     (43,906 )
Reimbursement of deposits on equipment
    18,325        
 
           
 
               
Cash used in investing activities
    (360,225 )     (537,009 )
 
           
 
               
Financing activities
               
Net borrowings on revolver and lines of credit
    134,108       150,000  
Payments on long-term debt
    (10,408 )     (8,986 )
Debt financing costs
    (139 )     (2,171 )
Dividends paid
    (28,725 )     (23,205 )
Purchases of treasury stock
          (10,918 )
Issuance of common stock under incentive plans
    1,873       6,977  
 
           
 
               
Cash provided by financing activities
    96,709       111,697  
 
           
 
               
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    866       (232,156 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    2,523       260,501  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 3,389     $ 28,345  
 
           


 

Arch Coal, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
(In thousands)
Included in the accompanying release, we have disclosed certain non-GAAP measures as defined by Regulation G. The following reconciles these items to net income as reported under GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA:
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before the effect of net interest expense; income taxes; depreciation, depletion and amortization; expenses resulting from early extinguishment of debt; and other non-operating expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and items excluded to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are significant in understanding and assessing our financial condition. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation nor as an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operations or as a measure of our profitability, liquidity or performance under generally accepted accounting principles. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA presents a useful measure of our ability to service and incur debt based on ongoing operations. Furthermore, analogous measures are used by industry analysts to evaluate operating performance. Investors should be aware that our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The tables below show how we calculate Adjusted EBITDA.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Net income
  $ 27,280     $ 50,927     $ 93,556     $ 181,331  
Provision for income taxes
    5,100       12,100       7,350       43,000  
Interest expense, net
    16,638       15,602       51,505       45,082  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    58,628       53,641       174,238       151,175  
Other non-operating expenses, net
    806       3,572       2,126       6,773  
 
                       
 
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 108,452     $ 135,842     $ 328,775     $ 427,361  
 
                       
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income — 2007 Targets
                 
    Targeted Results  
    Year Ended  
    December 31, 2007  
    Low     High  
    (Unaudited)  
Net income
  158,000     173,000  
Benefit from income taxes
    (13,000     (1,000
Interest expense, net
    73,000       71,000  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    240,000       245,000  
Other non-operating expenses, net
    2,000       2,000  
 
           
 
Adjusted EBITDA
  460,000     490,000  
 
           

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