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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Basis of PresentationThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Peabody Energy Corporation (PEC) and its affiliates. The Company, or Peabody, are used interchangeably to refer to Peabody Energy Corporation, to Peabody Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, or to such subsidiaries, as appropriate to the context. Interests in subsidiaries controlled by the Company are consolidated with any outside stockholder interests reflected as noncontrolling interests, except when the Company has an undivided interest in an unincorporated joint venture. In those cases, the Company includes its proportionate share in the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the jointly controlled entities within each applicable line item of the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions, profits and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Plan of Reorganization and Emergence from Chapter 11 Cases

On April 13, 2016, PEC and a majority of its wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, as well as one international subsidiary in Gibraltar (collectively with PEC, the Debtors), filed voluntary petitions (the Bankruptcy Petitions) under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the U.S. Code (the Bankruptcy Code) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri (the Bankruptcy Court). The Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases (the Chapter 11 Cases) were jointly administered under the caption In re Peabody Energy Corporation, et al., Case No. 16-42529.

For periods subsequent to filing the Bankruptcy Petitions, the Company applied the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 852, “Reorganizations,” in preparing its consolidated financial statements. ASC 852 requires that financial statements distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues, expenses, realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that were realized or incurred in the bankruptcy proceedings were recorded in “Reorganization items, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.

On March 17, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order, Docket No. 2763, confirming the Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Debtors and Debtors in Possession (as further modified, the Plan). On April 3, 2017, (the Effective Date), the Debtors satisfied the conditions to effectiveness set forth in the Plan, the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an additional gain on the settlement of claims for $12.8 million related to certain unsecured claims.

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented

Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13 (Topic 326) related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new standard replaces the incurred loss methodology to record credit losses with a methodology that reflects the expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The Company will be required to use a forward-looking expected loss model for accounts receivables, loans and other financial instruments to record an allowance for the estimated contractual cash flows not expected to be collected. The Company has not restated comparative information for 2019 and no adjustments to retained earnings were necessary as a result of adopting Topic 326.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost to present the net amount expected to be collected as of the balance sheet date. Such allowance is based on the credit losses expected to arise over the life of the asset (contractual term) which includes consideration of prepayments and is based on the Company’s expectations as of the balance sheet date.

Assets are written off when the Company determines that such financial assets are deemed uncollectible. Write-offs are recognized as deductions from the allowance for credit losses. Expected recoveries of amounts previously written off, not to exceed the aggregate of the amount previously written off, are included in determining the necessary reserve at the balance sheet date.

The Company pools its accounts receivable based on similar risk characteristics in estimating its expected credit losses. The Company also continuously evaluates such pooling decisions and adjusts as needed from period to period as risk characteristics change.

Fair Value Measurement. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which amended the fair value measurement guidance by removing and modifying certain disclosure requirements, while also adding new disclosure requirements. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements effective January 1, 2020.

Compensation - Retirement Benefits. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The Company adopted the disclosure requirements effective January 1, 2020.

Income Taxes. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 as part of its effort to reduce the complexity of accounting standards. The ASU enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740, including requirements related to (1) hybrid tax regimes, (2) the tax basis step-up in goodwill obtained in a transaction that is not a business combination, (3) separate financial statements of entities not subject to tax, (4) the intraperiod tax allocation exception to the incremental approach, (5) recognition of a deferred tax liability after an investor in a foreign entity transitions to or from the equity method of accounting, (6) interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law and (7) the year-to-date loss limitation in interim-period tax accounting. ASU 2019-12 is effective on January 1, 2021 for calendar year-end public companies and early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2019-12 in the third quarter of 2020 and apply the guidance to the beginning of the annual period, effective January 1, 2020. The singular current year impact of the adoption of this ASU is related to the intraperiod tax allocation exception. Under this new guidance, the Company is no longer required to allocate income tax benefit to continuing operations to offset the tax effect of other comprehensive income in situations where there is a loss from continuing operations and income in all other sources of income. Under the predecessor accounting guidance, the Company would have recorded approximately $38 million of incremental income tax benefit in continuing operations with an offsetting income tax expense in other comprehensive income.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented

Equity Method Investments. In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, which clarifies the interactions between ASC 321, ASC 323 and ASC 815. The new guidance addresses accounting for the transition into and out of the equity method and measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. ASU 2020-01 is effective on January 1, 2021 for calendar year-end public companies and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt the requirements effective January 1, 2021.

Effects of Reference Rate Reform. In March 2020, ASU 2020-04 was issued, which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden on accounting for contract modifications caused by reference rate reform. This guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The guidance may be adopted over time as reference rate reform activities occur and should be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is still completing its evaluation of the impact of ASU 2020-04 and plans to elect optional expedients as reference rate reform activities occur. While the Company is still evaluating, it does not expect the guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Revenues

The majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from the sale of coal under long-term coal supply agreements (those with initial terms of one year or longer and which often include price reopener and/or extension provisions) and contracts with terms of less than one year, including sales made on a spot basis. The Company’s revenue from coal sales is realized and earned when control passes to the customer. Under the typical terms of the Company’s coal supply agreements, title and risk of loss transfer to the customer at the mine or port, where coal is loaded to the transportation sources that serve the Company’s mines. The Company incurs certain “add-on” taxes and fees on coal sales. Reported coal sales include taxes and fees charged by various federal and state governmental bodies and the freight charged on destination customer contracts.

The Company’s seaborne operating platform is primarily export focused with customers spread across several countries, with a portion of the thermal and metallurgical coal sold within Australia. Generally, revenues from individual countries vary year by year based on electricity and steel demand, the strength of the global economy, governmental policies and several other factors, including those specific to each country. A majority of these sales are executed through annual and multi-year international coal supply agreements that contain provisions requiring both parties to renegotiate pricing periodically. Industry commercial practice, and the Company’s typical practice, is to negotiate pricing for seaborne thermal coal contracts on an annual, spot or index basis and seaborne metallurgical coal contracts on a quarterly, spot or index basis. The portion of sales volume under contracts with a duration of less than one year has increased in recent years. In the case of periodically negotiated pricing, the Company may deliver coal under provisional pricing until a final agreed-upon price is determined. The resulting make-whole settlements are recognized when reasonably estimable.

The Company’s U.S. thermal operating platform primarily sells thermal coal to electric utilities in the U.S. under long-term contracts, with a portion sold into the seaborne markets as conditions warrant. A significant portion of the coal production from the U.S. thermal mining segments is sold under existing long-term supply agreements. Certain customers of those segments utilize long-term sales agreements in recognition of the importance of reliability, service and predictable coal prices to their operations. The terms of coal supply agreements result from competitive bidding and extensive negotiations with customers. Consequently, the terms of those agreements may vary in many respects, including price adjustment features, price reopener terms, coal quality requirements, quantity parameters, permitted sources of supply, treatment of environmental constraints, extension options, force majeure and termination and assignment provisions.

Contract pricing is set forth on a per ton basis, and revenue is generally recorded as the product of price and volume delivered. Many of the Company’s coal supply agreements contain provisions that permit the parties to adjust the contract price upward or downward at specified times. These contract prices may be adjusted based on inflation or deflation and/or changes in the factors affecting the cost of producing coal, such as taxes, fees, royalties and changes in the laws regulating the mining, production, sale or use of coal. In a limited number of contracts, failure of the parties to agree on a price under those provisions may allow either party to terminate the contract. The Company sometimes experiences a reduction in coal prices in new long-term coal supply agreements replacing some of its expiring contracts. Coal supply agreements also typically contain force majeure provisions allowing temporary suspension of performance by the Company or the customer during the duration of specified events beyond the control of the affected party. Most of the coal supply agreements contain provisions requiring the Company to deliver coal meeting quality thresholds for certain characteristics such as Btu, sulfur content, ash content, grindability and ash fusion temperature. Failure to meet these specifications could result in economic penalties, including price adjustments, the rejection of deliveries or termination of the contracts. Moreover, some of these agreements allow the Company’s customers to terminate their contracts in the event of changes in regulations affecting the industry that restrict the use or type of coal permissible at the customer’s plant or increase the price of coal beyond specified limits.

Additional revenues may include gains and losses related to mark-to-market adjustments from economic hedge activities intended to hedge future coal sales, revenues from customer contract-related payments and other insignificant items including royalties related to coal lease agreements, sales agency commissions, farm income and property and facility rentals. Royalty income generally results from the lease or sublease of mineral rights to third parties, with payments based upon a percentage of the selling price or an amount per ton of coal produced.

Discontinued Operations

The Company classifies items within discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements when the operations and cash flows of a particular component of the Company have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company as a result of a disposal (by sale or otherwise) and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results. Refer to Note 4. “Discontinued Operations” for additional details related to discontinued operations.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

The Company classifies assets and liabilities (disposal groups) to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met: management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such disposal groups; an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have been initiated; the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond the Company's control extend the period of time required to sell the disposal group beyond one year; the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

The Company initially measures a disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met. Conversely, gains are not recognized on the sale of a disposal group until the date of sale. The Company assesses the fair value of a disposal group, less any costs to sell, each reporting period it remains classified as held for sale and reports any subsequent changes as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the disposal group at the time it was initially classified as held for sale.

Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, the Company reports the assets and liabilities of the disposal group, if material, in the line items assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Accounts Receivable

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in accounts receivable from customers. Customers are invoiced as coal is shipped or at periodic intervals in accordance with contractual terms. Invoices typically include customary adjustments for the resolution of price variability related to prior shipments, such as coal quality thresholds. Payments are generally received within thirty days of invoicing.

Inventories

Coal is reported as inventory at the point in time the coal is extracted from the mine. Raw coal represents coal stockpiles that may be sold in current condition or may be further processed prior to shipment to a customer. Saleable coal represents coal stockpiles which require no further processing prior to shipment to a customer.

Coal inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Coal inventory costs include labor, supplies, equipment (including depreciation thereto) and operating overhead and other related costs incurred at or on behalf of the mining location. Net realizable value considers the projected future sales price of the particular coal product, less applicable selling costs and, in the case of raw coal, estimated remaining processing costs. The valuation of coal inventory is subject to several additional estimates, including those related to ground and aerial surveys used to measure quantities and processing recovery rates.

Materials and supplies inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value, less a reserve for obsolete or surplus items. This reserve incorporates several factors, such as anticipated usage, inventory turnover and inventory levels.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Mine Development

Property, plant, equipment and mine development are recorded at cost. Interest costs applicable to major asset additions are capitalized during the construction period. There was no capitalized interest in any of the periods presented. Expenditures which extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating costs as incurred. Costs incurred to develop coal mines or to expand the capacity of operating mines are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs incurred to maintain current production capacity at a mine are charged to operating costs as incurred. Costs to acquire computer hardware and the development and/or purchase of software for internal use are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives.

Coal reserves are recorded at cost, or at fair value in the case of nonmonetary exchanges of reserves or business acquisitions.

Depletion of coal reserves and amortization of advance royalties are computed using the units-of-production method utilizing only proven and probable reserves (as adjusted for recoverability factors) in the depletion base. Mine development costs are principally amortized over the estimated lives of the mines using the straight-line method. Depreciation of plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the life of the mine. The estimated useful lives by category of assets are as follows:


			Years
Building and improvements			up to 32
Machinery and equipment			1 - 15
Leasehold improvements			Shorter of Useful Life or Remaining Life of Lease

The Company leases coal reserves under agreements that require royalties to be paid as the coal is mined. Certain agreements also require minimum annual royalties to be paid regardless of the amount of coal mined during the year. Total royalty expense was $214.7 million, $388.6 million and $474.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

A substantial amount of the coal mined by the Company is produced from mineral reserves leased from the owner. One of the major lessors is the U.S. government, from which the Company leases substantially all of the coal it mines in Wyoming under terms set by Congress and administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. These leases are generally for an initial term of ten years but may be extended by diligent development and mining of the reserves until all economically recoverable reserves are depleted. The Company has met the diligent development requirements for substantially all of these federal leases either directly through production, by including the lease as a part of a logical mining unit with other leases upon which development has occurred or by paying an advance royalty in lieu of continued operations. Annual production on these federal leases must total at least 1.0% of the leased reserve or the original amount of coal in the entire logical mining unit in which the leased reserve resides. In addition, royalties are payable monthly at a rate of 12.5% of the gross realization from the sale of the coal mined using surface mining methods and at a rate of 8.0% of the gross realization for coal produced using underground mining methods.

The remainder of the leased coal is generally leased from state governments, land holding companies and various individuals. The duration of these leases varies greatly. Typically, the lease terms are automatically extended as long as active mining continues. Royalty payments are generally based upon a specified rate per ton or a percentage of the gross realization from the sale of the coal.

Mining and exploration in Australia is generally conducted under leases, licenses or permits granted by the relevant state government. Mining and exploration licenses and their associated environmental protection approvals (granted by the state government, and in some cases also the federal government) contain conditions relating to such matters as minimum annual expenditures, environmental compliance, protection of flora and fauna, restoration and rehabilitation. Royalties are paid to the state government as a percentage of the sales price (less certain allowable deductions in some cases). Generally, landowners do not own the mineral rights or have the ability to grant rights to mine those minerals. These rights are retained by the state government. Compensation is often payable to landowners, occupiers and Aboriginal traditional owners with residual native title rights and interests for the loss of access to the land from the proposed mining activities. The amount and type of compensation and the ability to proceed to grant of a mining tenement may be determined by agreement or court determination, as provided by law.

Leases

LeasesThe Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For the purpose of calculating such present values, lease payments include components that vary based upon an index or rate, using the prevailing index or rate at the commencement date, and exclude components that vary based upon other factors. As most of its leases do not contain a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at commencement to determine the present value of lease payments. The Company does not separate lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) from non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance) and recognizes them as a single lease component for the majority of asset classes. Variable lease payments not included within lease contracts are expensed as incurred. The Company's leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease, and such options are reflected in the term when their exercise is reasonably certain. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For certain equipment leases, the Company applies a portfolio approach to effectively account for the operating lease ROU assets and liabilities.

Equity Investments

The Company applies the equity method to investments in joint ventures when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture. Investments accounted for under the equity method are initially recorded at cost and any difference between the cost of the Company’s investment and the underlying equity in the net assets of the joint venture at the investment date is amortized over the lives of the related assets that gave rise to the difference. The Company’s pro-rata share of the operating results of joint ventures and basis difference amortization is reported in the consolidated statements of operations in “Loss (income) from equity affiliates.” Similarly, the Company’s pro-rata share of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment of its equity method investments whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar is reported in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income,” with periodic changes thereto reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The Company monitors its equity method investments for indicators that a decrease in investment value has occurred that is other than temporary. Examples of such indicators include a sustained history of operating losses and adverse changes in earnings and cash flow outlook. In the absence of quoted market prices for an investment, discounted cash flow projections are used to assess fair value, the underlying assumptions to which are generally considered unobservable Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. If the fair value of an investment is determined to be below its carrying value and that loss in fair value is deemed other than temporary, an impairment loss is recognized. No such impairment losses were recorded in any period presented.

For the remaining investments, the Company will adjust the carrying value of its investments to fair value based on observable market transactions. The Company also monitors such investments for indicators of impairment should no observable market transactions exist. Refer to Note 3. “Asset Impairment” for details regarding an impairment loss of $9.0 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019 related to an investment in an equity security. No such impairment losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2018.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company’s asset retirement obligation (ARO) liabilities primarily consist of spending estimates for surface land reclamation and support facilities at both surface and underground mines in accordance with applicable reclamation laws and regulations in the U.S. and Australia as defined by each mining permit.

The Company estimates its ARO liabilities for final reclamation and mine closure based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. The Company records an ARO asset associated with the discounted liability for final reclamation and mine closure. The obligation and corresponding asset are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. The ARO asset is amortized on the units-of-production method over its expected life and the ARO liability is accreted to the projected spending date. As changes in estimates occur (such as mine plan revisions, changes in estimated costs or changes in timing of the performance of reclamation activities), the revisions to the obligation and asset are recognized at the appropriate credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. The Company also recognizes an obligation for contemporaneous reclamation liabilities incurred as a result of surface mining. Contemporaneous reclamation consists primarily of grading, topsoil replacement and re-vegetation of backfilled pit areas.

Contingent Liabilities

From time to time, the Company is subject to legal and environmental matters related to its continuing and discontinued operations and certain historical, non-coal producing operations. In connection with such matters, the Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses.

A determination of the amount of reserves required for these matters is made after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company accrues for legal and environmental matters within “Operating costs and expenses” when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company provides disclosure surrounding loss contingencies when it believes that it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss may be incurred or an exposure to loss in excess of amounts already accrued may exist. Adjustments to contingent liabilities are made when additional information becomes available that affects the amount of estimated loss, which information may include changes in facts and circumstances, changes in interpretations of law in the relevant courts, the results of new or updated environmental remediation cost studies and the ongoing consideration of trends in environmental remediation costs.

Accrued contingent liabilities exclude claims against third parties and are not discounted. The current portion of these accruals is included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” and the long-term portion is included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets. In general, legal fees related to environmental remediation and litigation are charged to expense. The Company includes the interest component of any litigation-related penalties within “Interest expense” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using a balance sheet approach. The Company accounts for deferred income taxes by applying statutory tax rates in effect at the reporting date of the balance sheet to differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established if it is “more likely than not” that the related tax benefits will not be realized. Significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified including history of tax attribute expiration and cumulative income or loss. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, the Company considers the projected realization of tax benefits based on expected levels of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies, reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and taxable income in carryback years.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is “more likely than not” the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. To the extent the Company’s assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate will be recorded in the period in which the determination is made. Tax-related interest and penalties are classified as a component of income tax expense.

Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits and Pension Plans

Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company accounts for postretirement benefits other than pensions by accruing the costs of benefits to be provided over the employees’ period of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations of its postretirement benefit plans. The Company accounts for changes in its postretirement benefit obligations as a settlement when an irrevocable action has been effected that relieves the Company of its actuarially-determined liability to individual plan participants and removes substantial risk surrounding the nature, amount and timing of the obligation’s funding and the assets used to effect the settlement. The Company records amounts attributable to actuarial valuation changes currently in earnings rather than recording such amounts within accumulated other comprehensive income and amortizing to expense over applicable time periods. See Note 15. “Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits” for information related to postretirement benefits.

Pension Plans

The Company sponsors non-contributory defined benefit pension plans accounted for by accruing the cost to provide the benefits over the employees’ period of active service. These costs are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans. The Company records amounts attributable to actuarial valuation changes currently in earnings rather than recording such amounts within accumulated other comprehensive income and amortizing to expense over applicable time periods. See Note 16. “Pension and Savings Plans” for information related to pension plans.

Restructuring Activities

From time to time, the Company initiates restructuring activities in connection with its repositioning efforts to appropriately align its cost structure or optimize its coal production relative to prevailing market conditions. Costs associated with restructuring actions can include early mine closures, voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions, office closures and other related activities. Costs associated with restructuring activities are recognized in the period incurred.

Included as a component of “Restructuring charges” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were aggregate restructuring charges of $37.9 million, $24.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, primarily associated with voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions. As of December 31, 2020, a $2.4 million accrual for restructuring charges remained in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses,” which is expected to be paid in the first quarter of 2021.

Derivatives

The Company recognizes at fair value all contracts meeting the definition of a derivative as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of certain coal trading contracts for which the Company has elected to apply a normal purchases and normal sales exception.

With respect to derivatives used in hedging activities, the Company assesses at hedge inception whether such derivatives are highly effective at offsetting the changes in the anticipated exposure of the hedged item. The change in the fair value of derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the consolidated balance sheets until the hedged transaction impacts reported earnings, at which time any gain or loss is reclassified to earnings. If the hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, the Company prospectively recognizes changes in the fair value of the instrument in earnings in the period of the change. Gains or losses from derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges are recognized immediately in earnings, along with the offsetting gain or loss related to the underlying hedged item.

The Company’s asset and liability derivative positions are offset on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis if the contractual agreement provides for the net settlement of contracts with the counterparty in the event of default or termination of any one contract.

Non-derivative contracts and derivative contracts for which the Company has elected to apply the normal purchases and normal sales exception are accounted for on an accrual basis.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase method requires the Company to determine the fair value of all acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets and all assumed liabilities. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying identifiable net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and the utilization of independent valuation experts, and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets held and used in operations for impairment as events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets might not be recoverable. Factors that would indicate potential impairment to be present include, but are not limited to, a sustained history of operating or cash flow losses, an unfavorable change in earnings and cash flow outlook, prolonged adverse industry or economic trends and a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset is being used or in its physical condition. The Company generally does not view short-term declines in thermal and metallurgical coal prices as a triggering event for conducting impairment tests because of historic price volatility. However, the Company generally does view a sustained trend of depressed coal pricing (for example, over periods exceeding one year) as an indicator of potential impairment. Because of the volatile and cyclical nature of coal prices and demand, it is reasonably possible that coal prices may decrease and/or fail to improve in the near term, which, absent sufficient mitigation such as an offsetting reduction in the Company’s operating costs, may result in the need for future adjustments to the carrying value of the Company’s long-lived mining assets and mining-related investments.

Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. For its active mining operations, the Company generally groups such assets at the mine level, or the mining complex level for mines that share infrastructure, with the exception of impairment evaluations triggered by mine closures. In those cases involving mine closures, the related assets are evaluated at the individual asset level for remaining economic life based on transferability to ongoing operating sites or for expected salvage. For its development and exploration properties and portfolio of surface land and coal reserve holdings, the Company considers several factors to determine whether to evaluate those assets individually or on a grouped basis for purposes of impairment testing. Such factors include geographic proximity to one another, the expectation of shared infrastructure upon development based on future mining plans and whether it would be most advantageous to bundle such assets in the event of sale to a third party.

When indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by those assets under various assumptions to their carrying amounts. If such undiscounted cash flows indicate that the carrying value of the asset group is not recoverable, impairment losses are measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to its carrying amount. As quoted market prices are unavailable for the Company’s individual mining operations, fair value is determined through the use of an expected present value technique based on the income approach, except for non-strategic coal reserves, surface lands and undeveloped coal properties excluded from the Company’s long-range mine planning. In those cases, a market approach is utilized based on the most comparable market multiples available. The estimated future cash flows and underlying assumptions used to assess recoverability and, if necessary, measure the fair value of the Company’s long-lived mining assets are derived from those developed in connection with the Company’s planning and budgeting process. The Company believes its assumptions to be consistent with those a market participant would use for valuation purposes. The most critical assumptions underlying the Company’s projections and fair value estimates include those surrounding future tons sold, coal prices for unpriced coal, production costs (including costs for labor, commodity supplies and contractors), transportation costs, foreign currency exchange rates and a risk-adjusted, cost of capital (all of which generally constitute unobservable Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy), in addition to market multiples for non-strategic coal reserves, surface lands and undeveloped coal properties excluded from the Company’s long-range mine planning (which generally constitute Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy).

Refer to Note 3. “Asset Impairment” for details regarding impairment charges related to long-lived assets of $1,487.4 million and $261.2 million recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were no impairment charges related to long-lived assets during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Fair Value

Fair ValueFor assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements, the Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Foreign Currency

Functional currency is determined by the primary economic environment in which an entity operates, which for the Company’s foreign operations is generally the U.S. dollar because sales prices in international coal markets and the Company’s sources of financing those operations are denominated in that currency. Accordingly, substantially all of the Company’s consolidated foreign subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. Monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at year-end exchange rates while non-monetary items are remeasured at historical rates. Income and expense accounts are remeasured at the average rates in effect during the year, except for those expenses related to balance sheet amounts that are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains and losses from foreign currency remeasurement related to tax balances are included as a component of “Income tax provision,” while all other remeasurement gains and losses are included in “Operating costs and expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations. The total impact of foreign currency remeasurement on the consolidated statements of operations was a net loss of $4.0 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and a net gain of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company owns a 50% equity interest in Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd. (Middlemount), which owns the Middlemount Mine in Queensland, Australia. Middlemount utilizes the Australian dollar as its functional currency. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of that equity investee are translated to U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate and income and expense accounts are translated at the average rate in effect during the year. The Company’s pro-rata share of the translation gains and losses of the equity investee are recorded as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the consolidated balance sheets. Australian dollar denominated stockholder loans to the Middlemount Mine, which are long term in nature, are considered part of the Company’s net investment in that operation. Accordingly, foreign currency gains or losses on those loans are recorded as a component of foreign currency translation adjustment. The Company recorded foreign currency translation gains of $6.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and a loss of $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation at the grant date fair value of awards and recognizes the related expense over the service period of the awards. See Note 18. “Share-Based Compensation” for information related to share-based compensation.

Exploration and Drilling Costs

Exploration expenditures are charged to operating costs as incurred, including costs related to drilling and study costs incurred to convert or upgrade mineral resources to reserves.

Advance Stripping Costs

Pre-production. At existing surface operations, additional pits may be added to increase production capacity in order to meet customer requirements. These expansions may require significant capital to purchase additional equipment, expand the workforce, build or improve existing haul roads and create the initial pre-production box cut to remove overburden (that is, advance stripping costs) for new pits at existing operations. If these pits operate in a separate and distinct area of the mine, the costs associated with initially uncovering coal (that is, advance stripping costs incurred for the initial box cuts) for production are capitalized and amortized over the life of the developed pit consistent with coal industry practices.

Post-production. Advance stripping costs related to post-production are expensed as incurred. Where new pits are routinely developed as part of a contiguous mining sequence, the Company expenses such costs as incurred. The development of a contiguous pit typically reflects the planned progression of an existing pit, thus maintaining production levels from the same mining area utilizing the same employee group and equipment.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (U.S. GAAP). In doing so, estimates and assumptions are made that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions deemed reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounting for sales and cost recognition, postretirement benefit plans, environmental receivables and liabilities, asset retirement obligations, evaluation of long-lived assets for impairment, income taxes including deferred tax assets, fair value measurements and contingencies.

Credit and Nonperformance Risk

The Company’s policy is to independently evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness prior to entering into transactions and to regularly monitor the credit extended. If the Company engages in a transaction with a counterparty that does not meet its credit standards, the Company seeks to protect its position by requiring the counterparty to provide an appropriate credit enhancement. Also, when appropriate (as determined by its credit management function), the Company has taken steps to reduce its exposure to customers or counterparties whose credit has deteriorated and who may pose a higher risk of failure to perform under their contractual obligations. These steps include obtaining letters of credit or cash collateral (margin), requiring prepayments for shipments or the creation of customer trust accounts held for the Company’s benefit to serve as collateral in the event of a failure to pay or perform. To reduce its credit exposure related to trading and brokerage activities, the Company seeks to enter into netting agreements with counterparties that permit the Company to offset asset and liability positions with such counterparties and, to the extent required, the Company will post or receive margin amounts associated with exchange-cleared and certain OTC positions.

Corporate Hedging - Coal Trading

The Company’s risk management function, which is independent of the Company’s coal trading function, is responsible for valuation policies and procedures, with oversight from executive management. Generally, the Company’s Level 3 instruments or contracts are valued using bid/ask price quotations and other market assessments obtained from multiple, independent third-party brokers or other transactional data incorporated into internally-generated discounted cash flow models. Decreases in the number of third-party brokers or market liquidity could erode the quality of market information and therefore the valuation of the Company’s market positions. The Company’s valuation techniques include basis adjustments to the foregoing price inputs for quality, such as sulfur and ash content, location differentials, expressed as port and freight costs, and credit risk. The Company’s risk management function independently validates the Company’s valuation inputs, including unobservable inputs, with third-party information and settlement prices from other sources where available. A daily process is performed to analyze market price changes and changes to the portfolio. Further periodic validation occurs at the time contracts are settled with the counterparty. These valuation techniques have been consistently applied in all periods presented, and the Company believes it has obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts held.

Fair Value Transfer, Policy

The Company’s policy is to value all transfers between levels using the beginning of period valuation.

Corporate Hedging

From time to time, the Company may utilize various types of derivative instruments to manage its exposure to risks in the normal course of business, including (1) foreign currency exchange rate risk and the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted Australian dollar expenditures made in its Australian mining platform, (2) price risk of fluctuating coal prices related to forecasted sales or purchases of coal, or changes in the fair value of a fixed price physical sales contract, (3) price risk and the variability of cash flows related to forecasted diesel fuel purchased for use in its operations, and (4) interest rate risk on long-term debt. These risk management activities are actively monitored for compliance with the Company’s risk management policies.