11-K 1 c27741ce11vk.htm FORM 11-K Form 11-K
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 11-K
(Mark One)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 1-16463
PEABODY INVESTMENTS CORP.
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ACCOUNT
Full title of the plan
PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION
701 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101-1826
 
Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office
 
 

 


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Table of Contents
         
    1  
 
Financial Statements:
       
 
    2  
 
    3  
 
    4  
 
Supplemental Schedule:
       
 
    12  
 
    14  
 
    15  
 
Exhibit 23 - Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
       

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Plan Administrator
Defined Contribution Administrative Committee
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the Peabody Investments Corp. Employee Retirement Account (the Plan) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and changes in its net assets available for benefits for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying supplemental schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2007 is presented for the purpose of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the financial statements, and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
June 25, 2008

1


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Assets:
               
Investments, at fair value:
               
Investments in mutual funds
  $ 320,383     $ 318,844  
Investment in common/collective trust
    104,011       117,258  
Investment in Peabody Energy Stock Fund
    52,735       49,263  
Investment in Patriot Coal Stock Fund
    3,421        
Participant notes receivable
    15,596       17,205  
 
           
Total investments
    496,146       502,570  
 
               
Receivables:
               
Employer contributions
    4,622       10,178  
 
           
Net assets, at fair value
    500,768       512,748  
 
               
Adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts
    (787 )     1,128  
 
           
Net assets available for benefits
  $ 499,981     $ 513,876  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

2


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits
                 
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Additions:
               
Interest and dividends
  $ 23,034     $ 24,035  
Net realized and unrealized appreciation of investments
    32,014       15,088  
 
           
Net investment income
    55,048       39,123  
 
           
 
               
Contributions:
               
Employee
    34,248       31,583  
Employer
    21,798       26,165  
Rollover
    1,457       3,338  
 
           
Total contributions
    57,503       61,086  
 
           
 
               
Asset transfers from other plans
          2,812  
 
           
 
               
Total additions
    112,551       103,021  
 
           
 
               
Deductions:
               
Withdrawals by participants
    (33,377 )     (29,696 )
Administrative expenses
    (129 )     (80 )
Asset transfers out
    (92,940 )      
 
           
 
               
Total deductions
    (126,446 )     (29,776 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in net assets available for benefits
    (13,895 )     73,245  
Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year
    513,876       440,631  
 
           
 
               
Net assets available for benefits at end of year
  $ 499,981     $ 513,876  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

3


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
1. Description of the Plan
The following description of the Peabody Investments Corp. (the Company) Employee Retirement Account (the Plan) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the plan documents for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peabody Energy Corporation (Peabody).
General
The Plan is a defined contribution plan and participation in the Plan is voluntary. All nonrepresented employees of the Company and certain of its participating subsidiary and affiliated companies (the Employer) are eligible for participation on the date of their employment or at any time afterward. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA).
On October 12, 2007, Peabody’s Board of Directors approved a spin-off of portions of its Eastern U.S. Mining operations business segment through a dividend of all outstanding shares of Patriot Coal Corporation (Patriot). Prior to the spin-off, Peabody received a private letter ruling on the tax-free nature of the transaction from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Patriot stock was distributed to the Peabody stockholders at a ratio of one share of Patriot stock for every 10 shares of Peabody stock held on the record date of October 22, 2007. Likewise, all Plan participants holding Peabody stock in their accounts at the close of business on the record date received similar pro rata distributions. In conjunction with the spin-off, the net assets and related participant account balances of Patriot were transferred from the Plan totaling $92.9 million.
Effective January 31, 2006, the net assets and related participant account balances of the salaried employees of the Big Ridge, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (Big Ridge Plan) and the net assets and related participant account balances of Arclar Company, LLC 401(k) Plan and Trust (Arclar Plan) were transferred to the Plan totaling $2.8 million. Big Ridge, Inc. and Arclar Company, LLC are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The Plan allows participants to invest in a selection of mutual funds, a common/collective trust and the Peabody Energy Stock Fund. All investments in the Plan are participant-directed.

4


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Description of the Plan (continued)
Contributions
Each year participants may contribute on a pre-tax or after-tax basis any whole percentage from 1% to 60% of eligible compensation, as defined in the Plan. Participants may also rollover account balances from other qualified defined benefit or defined contribution plans.
For participants other than those performing services in the New Mexico, Colorado or Wyoming regions, the Employer makes matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 6% of eligible compensation. For participants performing services in the Colorado or Wyoming regions, the Employer makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the first 6% of eligible compensation that a participant contributes to the Plan. For participants performing services in the New Mexico region, the Employer makes matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 4% of eligible compensation.
Participants direct the investment of employee and employer matching contributions into various investment options offered by the Plan. All contributions are subject to certain limitations as defined by the Plan and the IRS.
In the calendar year that a participant is age 50 or older and each year thereafter, certain participants are permitted to make catch-up contributions to the Plan. These participants are able to contribute amounts in excess of the maximum otherwise permitted by the Plan and the IRS, subject to certain limitations.
Peabody’s Board of Directors establishes desired minimum and maximum performance targets that require the Employer to pay a performance contribution between 0% and 4% of eligible compensation into the account of each active, eligible employee as of the end of the fiscal year, based upon Peabody’s financial performance. Employees performing services in the Colorado, New Mexico or Wyoming regions are not eligible for the performance contribution. If the minimum performance targets set for a fiscal year are not met, the Board of Directors may authorize the Employer to contribute a discretionary amount to the Plan. If the maximum performance targets set for a fiscal year are exceeded, the Board of Directors, at its discretion, may authorize the Employer to contribute additional incremental percentages of eligible compensation to the Plan.
At December 31, 2007, a $4.6 million receivable was recorded for a 3% performance contribution of eligible employees’ compensation related to the 2007 plan year. At December 31, 2006, a $10.2 million receivable was recorded for a 5% performance contribution of eligible employees’ compensation related to the 2006 plan year.

5


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Description of the Plan (continued)
Vesting
Participants are vested immediately in their own contributions and the actual earnings thereon. Vesting of employer matching contributions occurs ratably based on years of continuous service (20% per year after one year of service with 100% vesting after five years) and automatically vests 100% upon death, normal retirement date or disability retirement date, as defined in the Plan. Employer performance contributions and discretionary contributions, if any, are immediately vested 100%. Employer matching contributions for certain participants that are employees of HMC Mining, LLC are immediately vested 100%.
Forfeited Accounts
Employer contributions are reduced by forfeitures of non-vested amounts. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the plan received forfeiture credits, net of holding gains or losses, of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the balance of forfeiture credits available for future use was $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Participant Loans
Participants may borrow up to 50% of their vested account balance (excluding employer matching and performance contributions) subject to minimum and maximum amounts of $1,000 and $50,000, respectively, with the maximum amount reduced by the highest principal amount outstanding in the last 12 months, if applicable. Loans are secured by the balance in the participant’s account and bear interest based on the prime interest rate as published in The Wall Street Journal on the first business day of the month in which the loan was made, plus an additional 1%. Principal and interest are paid ratably through payroll deductions. A maximum of two loans may be outstanding at any time.
Participant Accounts
Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contributions, the Employer’s contributions and plan earnings. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the vested balance of the participant’s account.

6


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Description of the Plan (continued)
Payment of Benefits
Participants are eligible for distribution of their vested account balance upon termination of employment. Participants are eligible for distribution of their entire account balance upon death, disability, or termination of employment after normal retirement date. Participants may elect to receive their distribution as either a lump sum payment or as installments in certain circumstances, as defined in the Plan. Participants may also elect to transfer their account balance into an individual retirement account or another qualified Plan.
Participants who have attained the age of 591/2 have the right to receive a partial or full distribution of their vested account balance. Withdrawals in cases of hardship and other withdrawals of after-tax contributions are also permitted, as defined in the Plan.
Plan Termination
The Plan is voluntary on the part of the Employer. The Employer may terminate the Plan in whole or in part subject to the provisions of ERISA. Upon termination or complete discontinuance of all contributions to the Plan, participants’ accounts become fully vested. Currently, the Employer has no intention to terminate the Plan.
Administrative Expenses
All significant administrative expenses of the Plan, including recordkeeping and trustee fees, are paid by the Employer. Participants are required to pay their own loan fees.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Plan are prepared using the accrual method of accounting.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

7


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
Valuation of Investments and Income Recognition
The Plan’s investments are stated at fair value. Shares of mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices, which represent the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. Units in the common/collective trust are valued at net asset value at year-end. The Peabody Energy Stock Fund and the Patriot Coal Stock Fund are valued at their year-end unit closing price (comprised of year-end market price plus uninvested cash position, if any). Participant loans are valued at cost, which approximates market value.
As described in Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position AAG INV-1 and SOP 94-4-1, “Reporting of Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts Held by Certain Investment Companies Subject to the AICPA Investment Company Guide and Defined-Contribution Health and Welfare and Pension Plans” (the FSP), investment contracts held by a defined contribution plan are required to be reported at fair value. However, contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits of a defined contribution plan attributable to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under the terms of the Plan. The Plan invests in investment contracts through a common collective trust (Vanguard Retirement Savings Trust). As required by the FSP, the statement of net assets available for benefits presents the fair value of the investment in the common collective trust as well as the adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. The fair value of the Plan’s interest in the Vanguard Retirement Savings Trust is based on information reported by the issuer of the common collective trust at year-end. The contract value of the Vanguard Retirement Savings Trust represents contributions plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.
Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest income is recorded when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Capital gain distributions are included in dividend income.
Payment of Benefits
Benefit distributions are recorded when paid.

8


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
New Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Plan Sponsor is currently evaluating the effect that the provisions of SFAS No. 157 will have on the Plan’s financial statements.
3. Related Party Transactions
The Plan invests in shares of mutual funds managed by an affiliate of its trustee, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a party-in-interest with respect to the Plan. These transactions are covered by an exemption from the “prohibited transaction” provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), as amended. The Plan also invests in Peabody and Patriot stocks, through the Peabody Energy Stock Fund and the Patriot Coal Stock Fund, respectively, which are permitted parties-in-interest transactions.
4. Investments
The following table represents the appreciation (depreciation) in fair value, as determined by quoted market prices, of the Plan’s investments, including those purchased, sold or held during the year.
                 
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Mutual funds
  $ 5,697     $ 21,149  
Peabody Energy Stock Fund
    24,815       (6,061 )
Patriot Coal Stock Fund
    1,502        
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 32,014     $ 15,088  
 
           

9


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
4. Investments (continued)
Investments representing 5% or more of the fair value of the Plan’s net assets were as follows:
                 
    December 31,
    2007   2006
    (Dollars in thousands)
Mutual funds:
               
Vanguard 500 Index Fund
  $ 70,476     $ 78,102  
Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund
    42,195       45,286  
Vanguard International Growth Fund
    26,213       24,069  *
Common/collective trust:
               
Vanguard Retirement Savings Trust
    104,011       117,258  
Peabody Energy Stock Fund
    52,735       49,263  
 
*   As of December 31, 2006, this investment did not represent 5% or more of the fair value of the Plan’s net assets
5. Reconciliation of Financial Statements to Form 5500
The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per the financial statements to the Form 5500:
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements
  $ 499,981     $ 513,876  
Adjustment from contract value to fair value for fully benefit-responsive contracts
    787       (1,128 )
 
           
Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
  $ 500,768     $ 512,748  
 
           

10


 

Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Notes to Financial Statements
6. Income Tax Status
The Plan received a determination letter from the IRS dated February 9, 2004, stating that the Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and, therefore, the related trust was exempt from taxation. Once qualified, the Plan was required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain its qualification. The Plan was amended and restated subsequent to the IRS determination letter. The Plan’s administrator believes the Plan is being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code and, therefore, believes the Plan, as amended, is qualified and the related trust is tax-exempt. The Plan’s sponsor has indicated that it will take the necessary steps to maintain the Plan’s qualified status.
7. Risks and Uncertainties
The Plan invests in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the statements of net assets available for benefits.

11


 

Supplemental Schedule
Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Employer ID #20-0480084
Plan #003
Schedule H, Line 4i – Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)
December 31, 2007
                 
    Description of      
                 Identity of Issue   Investment Type   Current Value  
 
Vanguard 500 Index Fund*
  521,465 shares of mutual fund   $ 70,475,959  
Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund*
  585,637 shares of mutual fund     42,195,126  
Vanguard International Growth Fund*
  1,056,108 shares of mutual fund     26,212,613  
Vanguard Explorer Fund*
  230,629 shares of mutual fund     16,418,462  
Vanguard Windsor II Fund*
  420,903 shares of mutual fund     13,157,437  
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund*
  1,287,654 shares of mutual fund     13,082,560  
Vanguard Windsor Fund*
  726,380 shares of mutual fund     11,411,435  
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Fund*
  106,186 shares of mutual fund     6,123,766  
Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund*
  144,896 shares of mutual fund     5,779,908  
Harbor Capital Appreciation Fund*
  132,954 shares of mutual fund     4,960,497  
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund*
  121,003 shares of mutual fund     4,278,658  
Vanguard REIT Index Fund*
  203,680 shares of mutual fund     4,165,265  
Delaware International Value Equity Fund*
  221,777 shares of mutual fund     3,417,576  
Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund*
  211,284 shares of mutual fund     2,867,125  
Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index Fund*
  221,498 shares of mutual fund     2,580,452  
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund*
  77,361 shares of mutual fund     2,520,431  
Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund*
  350,679 shares of mutual fund     2,069,005  
Ariel Fund*
  43,507 shares of mutual fund     2,018,271  
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund*
  58,593 shares of mutual fund     1,780,630  
Baron Asset Fund*
  27,695 shares of mutual fund     1,766,137  
Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund*
  143,432 shares of mutual fund     1,649,467  
Sound Shore Fund*
  39,921 shares of mutual fund     1,424,373  
Vanguard GNMA Fund*
  109,281 shares of mutual fund     1,133,248  
Lazard Small-Cap Portfolio*
  96,835 shares of mutual fund     1,121,352  
Vanguard Target Retirement Income Fund*
  57,130 shares of mutual fund     635,857  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2005 Fund*
  121,548 shares of mutual fund     1,461,012  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2010 Fund*
  370,574 shares of mutual fund     8,545,427  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Fund*
  1,165,823 shares of mutual fund     15,225,643  

12


 

Supplemental Schedule
Peabody Investments Corp.
Employee Retirement Account
Employer ID #20-0480084
Plan #003
Schedule H, Line 4i – Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) (continued)
December 31, 2007
             
    Description of      
Identity of Issue   Investment Type   Current Value  
 
Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund*  
806,221 shares of mutual fund
    18,921,996  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Fund*  
871,482 shares of mutual fund
    11,956,727  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund*  
304,403 shares of mutual fund
    7,263,060  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund*  
261,989 shares of mutual fund
    3,830,283  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund*  
117,500 shares of mutual fund
    2,792,984  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund*  
134,061 shares of mutual fund
    2,022,974  
Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund*  
29,896 shares of mutual fund
    713,311  
Vanguard Retirement Savings Trust*  
103,223,576 shares of common/ collective trust
    104,010,576  
Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index*  
132,973 shares of mutual fund
    4,404,067  
Peabody Energy Stock Fund*  
513,141 units of stock fund
    52,735,457  
Patriot Coal Stock Fund*  
307,353 units of stock fund
    3,420,841  
Various participants*  
Participant notes receivable, interest rates from 5% to 9.5%, maturities through December 25, 2017
    15,596,055  
   
 
     
   
 
       
   
 
  $ 496,146,023  
   
 
     
 
*   Party-in-interest

13


 

SIGNATURE
Peabody Investments Corp. Employee Retirement Account. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the plan administrator has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
             
 
      Peabody Investments Corp.    
 
      Employee Retirement Account    
 
           
Date: June 27, 2008
  By:   /s/ SHARON D. FIEHLER    
 
     
 
   
 
      Sharon D. Fiehler    
 
      Peabody Energy Corporation    
 
      Executive Vice President and    
 
      Chief Administrative Officer    

14


 

EXHIBIT INDEX
The exhibit below is numbered in accordance with the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
     
Exhibit    
No.   Description of Exhibit
 
   
23
  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

15