Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number: 001-14901

 

 

CONSOL Energy Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   51-0337383

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1000 CONSOL Energy Drive

Canonsburg, PA 15317-6506

(724) 485-4000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No   x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Shares outstanding as of April 16, 2010

Common stock, $0.01 par value

  225,710,460

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

  

Condensed Financial Statements

  
  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

   1
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

   2
  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2010

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

   5
  

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   28

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   49

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   50
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   51

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   52


Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  

Sales—Outside

   $ 1,169,514      $ 1,150,244   

Sales—Purchased Gas

     3,016        1,465   

Sales—Gas Royalty Interests

     14,339        12,632   

Freight—Outside

     31,200        30,916   

Other Income

     21,991        23,494   
                

Total Revenue and Other Income

     1,240,060        1,218,751   

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges (exclusive of depreciation, depletion and amortization shown below)

     766,862        667,622   

Purchased Gas Costs

     2,308        1,530   

Acquisition and Financing Fees

     46,563        —     

Gas Royalty Interests Costs

     12,197        10,591   

Freight Expense

     31,200        30,916   

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     30,130        30,816   

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     119,186        106,219   

Interest Expense

     8,145        8,512   

Taxes Other Than Income

     81,301        77,839   
                

Total Costs

     1,097,892        934,045   
                

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     142,168        284,706   

Income Taxes

     34,286        79,735   
                

Net Income

     107,882        204,971   

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

     (7,613     (9,152
                

Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders

   $ 100,269      $ 195,819   
                

Earnings Per Share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.55      $ 1.08   
                

Dilutive

   $ 0.54      $ 1.08   
                

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

    

Basic

     181,726,480        180,576,479   
                

Dilutive

     184,348,982        182,150,090   
                

Dividends Paid Per Share

   $ 0.10      $ 0.10   
                

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

 

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Table of Contents

CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

      (Unaudited)
March 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 1,879,007    $ 65,607

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

     

Trade

     473,356      317,460

Other Receivables

     13,141      15,983

Accounts Receivable—Securitized

     50,000      50,000

Inventories

     327,443      307,597

Deferred Income Taxes

     63,900      73,383

Prepaid Expenses

     185,901      161,006
             

Total Current Assets

     2,992,748      991,036

Property, Plant and Equipment:

     

Property, Plant and Equipment

     10,744,244      10,681,955

Less—Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     4,535,190      4,557,665
             

Total Property, Plant and Equipment—Net

     6,209,054      6,124,290

Other Assets:

     

Deferred Income Taxes

     408,361      425,297

Investment in Affiliates

     87,856      83,533

Other

     176,545      151,245
             

Total Other Assets

     672,762      660,075
             

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 9,874,564    $ 7,775,401
             

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

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

      (Unaudited)
March 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts Payable

   $ 305,310      $ 269,560   

Short-Term Notes Payable

     566,150        472,850   

Borrowings Under Securitization Facility

     50,000        50,000   

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

     45,690        45,394   

Accrued Income Taxes

     42,082        27,944   

Other Accrued Liabilities

     609,525        612,838   
                

Total Current Liabilities

     1,618,757        1,478,586   

Long-Term Debt:

    

Long-Term Debt

     362,248        363,729   

Capital Lease Obligations

     58,340        59,179   
                

Total Long-Term Debt

     420,588        422,908   

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     2,684,827        2,679,346   

Pneumoconiosis Benefits

     186,310        184,965   

Mine Closing

     388,597        397,320   

Gas Well Closing

     81,180        85,992   

Workers’ Compensation

     154,613        152,486   

Salary Retirement

     176,953        189,697   

Reclamation

     46,063        27,105   

Other

     129,772        132,517   
                

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     3,848,315        3,849,428   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     5,887,660        5,750,922   

Stockholders’ Equity:

    

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value; 500,000,000 Shares Authorized, 227,289,426 Issued and 225,664,677 Outstanding at March 31, 2010; 183,014,426 Issued and 181,086,267 Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     2,273        1,830   

Capital in Excess of Par Value

     2,874,894        1,033,616   

Preferred Stock, 15,000,000 authorized, None issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Retained Earnings

     1,525,007        1,456,898   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

     (609,537     (640,504

Common Stock in Treasury, at Cost—1,624,749 Shares at March 31, 2010 and 1,928,159 Shares at December 31, 2009

     (58,055     (66,292
                

Total CONSOL Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity

     3,734,582        1,785,548   

Noncontrolling Interest

     252,322        238,931   
                

TOTAL EQUITY

     3,986,904        2,024,479   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $ 9,874,564      $ 7,775,401   
                

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

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

    Common
Stock
  Capital in
Excess
of Par
Value
  Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income
(Loss)
    Common
Stock in
Treasury
    Total
CONSOL
Energy Inc.
Stockholders’
Equity
    Non-
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2009

  $ 1,830   $ 1,033,616   $ 1,456,898      $ (640,504   $ (66,292   $ 1,785,548      $ 238,931      $ 2,024,479   
                                                           

(Unaudited)

               

Net Income

    —       —       100,269        —          —          100,269        7,613        107,882   

Treasury Rate Lock (Net of $12 Tax)

    —       —       —          (23     —          (23     —          (23

Gas Cash Flow Hedge (Net of $20,218 Tax)

    —       —       —          26,199        —          26,199        5,252        31,451   

Actuarially Determined Long-Term Liability Adjustments (Net of $2,987 Tax)

    —       —       —          4,791        —          4,791        2        4,793   
                                                           

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    —       —       100,269        30,967        —          131,236        12,867        144,103   

Issuance of Treasury Stock

    —       —       (14,044     —          8,237        (5,807     —          (5,807

Issuance of CONSOL Energy Stock

    443     1,828,419     —          —          —          1,828,862        —          1,828,862   

Issuance of CNX Gas Stock

    —       —       —          —          —          —          139        139   

Tax Benefit From Stock-Based Compensation

    —       2,962     —          —          —          2,962        —          2,962   

Amortization of Stock-Based Compensation Awards

    —       8,626     —          —          —          8,626        1,323        9,949   

Stock-Based Compensation Awards to CNX Gas Employees

    —       1,271     —          —          —          1,271        (1,059     212   

Net Change in Crown Drilling Noncontrolling Interest

    —       —       —          —          —          —          121        121   

Dividends ($0.10 per share)

    —       —       (18,116     —          —          (18,116     —          (18,116
                                                           

Balance at March 31, 2010

  $ 2,273   $ 2,874,894   $ 1,525,007      $ (609,537   $ (58,055   $ 3,734,582      $ 252,322      $ 3,986,904   
                                                           

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

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 107,882      $ 204,971   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     119,186        106,219   

Stock-Based Compensation

     9,949        9,906   

Loss (Gain) on Sale of Assets

     1,439        (1,871

Amortization of Mineral Leases

     2,190        1,671   

Deferred Income Taxes

     3,225        16,452   

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

     (3,873     (3,361

Changes in Operating Assets:

    

Accounts and Notes Receivable

     (152,796     (30,459

Inventories

     (22,501     (49,866

Prepaid Expenses

     782        2,320   

Changes in Other Assets

     8,788        5,327   

Changes in Operating Liabilities:

    

Accounts Payable

     45,225        (43,690

Other Operating Liabilities

     24,092        26,250   

Changes in Other Liabilities

     14,527        2,938   

Other

     15,995        2,973   
                

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     174,110        249,780   
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Capital Expenditures

     (265,344     (299,560

Proceeds from Sale of Assets

     152        43,827   

Net Investment in Equity Affiliates

     (450     720   
                

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

     (265,642     (255,013
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from (Payments on) Short-Term Debt

     93,300        (37,300

Payments on Miscellaneous Borrowings

     (3,487     (6,425

Tax Benefit from Stock-Based Compensation

     3,138        140   

Dividends Paid

     (18,116     (18,060

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

     1,828,862        —     

Issuance of Treasury Stock

     1,235        121   

Noncontrolling Interest Member Distribution

     —          (200
                

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities

     1,904,932        (61,724

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     1,813,400        (66,957

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     65,607        138,512   
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 1,879,007      $ 71,555   
                

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

 

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CONSOL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all the notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in CONSOL Energy’s Form 10-K.

As required by the Transfers and Servicing Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification, effective January 1, 2010, CONSOL Energy modified the reporting of the Accounts Receivable securitization facility transactions in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The modification includes reporting the pledge of collateral as Accounts Receivable – Securitized and the borrowings are now classified as debt in Borrowings under Securitization Facility. Additionally, similar reclassifications of prior period data have been made to conform to the three months ended March 31, 2010 classifications required by the Transfers and Servicing Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.

On March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy issued 44,275,000 shares of common stock, which generated net proceeds of $1,828,862 to fund, in part, the acquisition of the Appalachian oil and gas exploration and production business of Dominion Resources, Inc. (Dominion Acquisition). The acquisition transaction closed on April 30, 2010. For additional details see “Note 17—Subsequent Events” for additional details.

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive earnings per share are computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the effect of potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming that restricted stock units and performance share units were converted, and outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such activity were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the reporting period. The table below sets forth the outstanding options, unvested restricted stock units, and unvested performance stock units that have been excluded from the computation of the diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
     2010    2009

Anti-Dilutive Options

   821,212    2,404,604

Anti-Dilutive Restricted Stock Units

   —      284

Anti-Dilutive Performance Stock Units

   6,225    106,540
         
   827,437    2,511,428
         

Options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were 59,980 shares and 18,674 shares, respectively. The weighted average exercise price per share of the options exercised during the three

 

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months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $20.60 and $8.12, respectively. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively, 345,722 and 56,004 fully vested restricted stock awards were released.

The computations for basic and dilutive earnings per share from continuing operations are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     2010    2009

Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. shareholders

   $ 100,269    $ 195,819
             

Average shares of common stock outstanding:

     

Basic

     181,726,480      180,576,479

Effect of stock-based compensation awards

     2,622,502      1,573,611
             

Dilutive

     184,348,982      182,150,090
             

Earnings per share:

     

Basic

   $ 0.55    $ 1.08
             

Dilutive

   $ 0.54    $ 1.08
             

NOTE 2—ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:

In March 2010, CONSOL Energy completed the sale of Jones Fork Mining Complex as part of a litigation settlement with Kentucky Fuel Corporation. No cash proceeds were received and $11,585 of litigation settlement expense was recorded in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges. The loss recorded was net of $8,700 related to the fair value of estimated amounts to be collected related to an override royalty on future mineable and merchantable coal extracted and sold from the property.

NOTE 3—COMPONENTS OF PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS:

Components of net periodic costs for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Service cost

   $ 3,477      $ 2,867      $ 3,732      $ 3,378   

Interest cost

     9,228        8,659        40,492        39,735   

Expected return on plan assets

     (9,318     (9,070     —          —     

Amortization of prior service (credits)

     (184     (277     (11,603     (11,604

Recognized net actuarial loss

     7,865        5,440        17,398        14,970   
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 11,068      $ 7,619      $ 50,019      $ 46,479   
                                

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $15,928 in contributions were paid to the pension trust and various pension benefits from operating cash flows. Currently, depending on asset values and asset returns held in the trust, we expect to contribute $63,600 to our pension trust in 2010.

CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the other postemployment benefit plan in 2010. We intend to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $36,019 of other post-employment benefits have been paid.

 

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NOTE 4—COMPONENTS OF COAL WORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS (CWP) AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COSTS:

Components of net periodic costs for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 

     CWP     Workers’ Compensation  
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009         2010             2009      

Service cost

   $ 1,946      $ 1,769      $ 6,754      $ 7,099   

Interest cost

     2,747        3,014        2,289        2,191   

Amortization of actuarial gain

     (4,981     (5,080     (768     (1,050

State administrative fees and insurance bond premiums

     —          —          2,419        1,759   

Legal and administrative costs

     750        675        784        850   
                                

Net periodic cost

   $ 462      $ 378      $ 11,478      $ 10,849   
                                

CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the CWP plan in 2010. We intend to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $3,412 of CWP benefit claims have been paid.

CONSOL Energy does not expect to contribute to the workers’ compensation plan in 2010. We intend to pay benefit claims as they become due. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, $9,896 of workers’ compensation benefits, state administrative fees and surety bond premiums have been paid.

NOTE 5—INCOME TAXES:

The following is a reconciliation, stated in dollars and as a percentage of pretax income, of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate:

 

     For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

   $ 49,759      35.0   $ 99,647      35.0

Excess tax depletion

     (15,169   (10.7     (27,816   (9.8

Effect of Domestic Production Activities Deduction

     (2,502   (1.8     (4,328   (1.5

Net effect of state income taxes

     5,616      4.0        10,904      3.8   

Other

     (3,418   (2.4     1,328      0.5   
                            

Income Tax Expense / Effective Rate

   $ 34,286      24.1   $ 79,735      28.0
                            

The effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was calculated using the annual effective rate projection on recurring earnings and includes tax liabilities related to certain discrete transactions, such as the Canadian tax settlement described below.

CONSOL Energy was advised by the Canadian Revenue Agency and variance provinces that its appeal of tax deficiencies paid as a result of the Agency’s audit of the Canadian tax returns filed for years 1997 through 2003 had been successfully resolved. As a result of the audit settlement, the Company reflected $3,450 as a discrete reduction to income tax expense in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Accordingly, a discrete federal income tax expense of $1,457 was also recognized related to this transaction.

The total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $56,916 and $60,691, respectively. If these unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, approximately $15,502 and $14,657, respectively, would affect CONSOL Energy’s effective tax rate. There were no additions to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

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CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various states and Canadian tax jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005.

CONSOL Energy recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in its interest expense. As of March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company reported an accrued interest liability relating to uncertain tax positions of $9,129 and $9,724, respectively. The accrued interest liability includes $791 and $627 of interest expense that is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

CONSOL Energy recognizes penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax expense. As of March 31, 2010 and 2009, CONSOL Energy had no accrued liability for tax penalties.

NOTE 6—INVENTORIES:

Inventory components consist of the following:

 

     March 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Coal

   $ 193,419    $ 173,719

Merchandise for resale

     43,076      44,842

Supplies

     90,948      89,036
             

Total Inventories

   $ 327,443    $ 307,597
             

Merchandise for resale is valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method. The excess of replacement cost of merchandise for resale inventories over carrying LIFO value was $15,808 and $13,696 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

NOTE 7—ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION:

CONSOL Energy and certain of our U.S. subsidiaries are party to a trade accounts receivable facility with financial institutions for the sale on a continuous basis of eligible trade accounts receivable. The facility allows CONSOL Energy to receive, on a revolving basis, up to $165,000. The facility also allows for the issuance of letters of credit against the $165,000 capacity. At March 31, 2010, there were no letters of credit outstanding against the facility.

CNX Funding Corporation, a wholly owned, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, buys and sells eligible trade receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. Under the receivables facility, CONSOL Energy and certain subsidiaries, irrevocably and without recourse, sell all of their eligible trade accounts receivable to CNX Funding Corporation, who in turn sells these receivables to financial institutions and their affiliates, while maintaining a subordinated interest in a portion of the pool of trade receivables. This retained interest, which is included in Accounts and Notes Receivable Trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is recorded at fair value. Due to a short average collection cycle for such receivables, our collection experience history and the composition of the designated pool of trade accounts receivable that are part of this program, the fair value of our retained interest approximates the total amount of the designated pool of accounts receivable. CONSOL Energy will continue to service the sold trade receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services.

Effective January 1, 2010, CONSOL Energy modified the reporting of the Accounts Receivable securitization facility transactions in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The modification includes reporting the pledge of collateral as Accounts Receivable—Securitized and the borrowings are now classified as debt in Borrowings under Securitization Facility. Additionally, similar reclassifications of prior period data have been made to conform to the three months ended March 31, 2010 classifications required by the Transfers and Servicing Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.

 

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The cost of funds under this facility is based upon commercial paper rates, plus a charge for administrative services paid to the financial institutions. Costs associated with the receivables facility totaled $452 and $935 for three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These costs have been recorded as financing fees which are included in Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. No servicing asset or liability has been recorded. The receivables facility expires in April 2012 with the underlying liquidity agreement renewing annually each April.

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, eligible accounts receivable totaled $165,000 and $151,000, with a subordinated retained interest of approximated $115,000 and $101,000, respectively. Accounts Receivable—Securitized and Borrowings under Securitization Facility of $50,000 were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the periods ending March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. In accordance with the facility agreement, the company is able to receive proceeds based upon the eligible accounts receivable at the previous month end. There was no change in the facility usage in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

NOTE 8—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

     March 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009

Coal & other plant and equipment

   $ 4,857,502    $ 4,874,880

Gas properties and related development

     1,704,818      1,649,476

Coal properties and surface lands

     1,276,241      1,284,795

Gas gathering equipment

     819,660      804,212

Airshafts

     621,476      622,068

Mine development

     589,390      573,037

Leased coal lands

     503,477      504,475

Coal advance mining royalties

     369,128      366,312

Gas advance royalties

     2,552      2,700
             

Total property, plant and equipment

     10,744,244      10,681,955

Less Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     4,535,190      4,557,665
             

Total Net Property, Plant and Equipment

   $ 6,209,054    $ 6,124,290
             

NOTE 9—SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE:

CONSOL Energy has a five-year $1,000,000 senior secured credit facility, which extends through June 2012. The facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries and collateral is shared equally and ratably with the holders of CONSOL Energy Inc. 7.875% bonds maturing in 2012. Fees and interest rate spreads are based on a ratio of financial covenant debt to twelve-month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA), measured quarterly. The facility includes a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 4.50 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The interest coverage ratio was 22.68 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. The facility also includes a maximum leverage ratio covenant of not more than 3.25 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The leverage ratio was less than zero at March 31, 2010. Affirmative and negative covenants in the facility limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock, pay dividends and merge with another corporation. At March 31, 2010, the $1,000,000 facility had $517,000 of borrowings outstanding and $262,323 of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $220,677 of capacity available for borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. The facility bore a weighted average interest rate of 0.87% as of March 31, 2010.

CONSOL Energy amended the facility in March 2010 to allow for the Dominion Acquisition. The amendment also allowed CONSOL Energy to issue $1,500,000 of 8% senior unsecured notes due in 2017 and $1,250,000 of 8.25% senior unsecured notes due in 2020 to finance a portion of the Dominion Acquisition. See Note 17—Subsequent Events for further information.

 

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CNX Gas has a five-year $200,000 unsecured credit agreement which extends through October 2010. The agreement contains a negative pledge provision, whereby CNX Gas assets cannot be used to secure other obligations. Fees and interest rate spreads are based on the percentage of facility utilization, measured quarterly. Covenants in the facility limit CNX Gas’ ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CNX Gas stock, pay dividends and merge with another corporation. The facility includes a maximum leverage ratio covenant of not more than 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The leverage ratio was 0.35 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. The facility also includes a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. This ratio was 67.05 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, the CNX Gas credit agreement had $49,150 of borrowings outstanding and $14,913 of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $135,937 of capacity available for borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit. The facility bore a weighted average interest rate of 1.41% as of March 31, 2010.

NOTE 10—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

CONSOL Energy and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits and claims with respect to such matters as personal injury, wrongful death, damage to property, exposure to hazardous substances, governmental regulations including environmental remediation, employment and contract disputes and other claims and actions arising out of the normal course of business. Our current estimates related to these pending claims, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy. However, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate liabilities in the future with respect to these lawsuits and claims may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Commonwealth) filed a six-count Complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, claiming that the Company’s underground longwall mining activities caused cracks and seepage damage to the Ryerson Park Dam, thereby eliminating the Ryerson Park Lake. The Commonwealth claimed that the Company is liable for dam reconstruction costs, lake restoration costs and natural resources damages totaling $58,000. The Court stayed the proceedings in the state court, holding that the Commonwealth should pursue administrative agency review of the claim. Furthermore, the Court found that the Commonwealth could not recover natural resources damages under applicable law. The Commonwealth then filed a subsidence-damage claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) and DEP reviewed the issue of whether the dam was damaged by subsidence. On February 16, 2010, DEP issued its interim report, concluding that the alleged damage was subsidence related. The Commonwealth and the Company now move into the next phase of the DEP proceeding, which is the damage phase, in which DEP will determine what amount and in what form the compensatory relief should be provided. Following completion of the next procedural phase before the DEP, either party can appeal the result to the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (“PEHB”), which will consider the case de novo, meaning without regard to the DEP’s decision, as to any finding of causation of damage and/or the amount of damages. Thereafter, either party may appeal the decision of the PEHB to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and then, as may be allowed, to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. As to the underlying claim, the Company believes it is not responsible for the damage to the dam and that numerous grounds exist upon which to attack the propriety of the claims. The Company intends to vigorously defend the case. However, it is reasonably possible that if damages were awarded to the Commonwealth, the result may be material to the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

One of our subsidiaries, Fairmont Supply Company (Fairmont), which distributes industrial supplies, currently is named as a defendant in approximately 22,500 asbestos claims in state courts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey and Illinois. Because a very small percentage of products manufactured by third parties and supplied by Fairmont in the past may have contained asbestos and many of the pending claims are part of mass complaints filed by hundreds of plaintiffs against a hundred or more defendants, it has been difficult for Fairmont to determine how many of the cases actually involve valid claims or plaintiffs who were actually exposed to asbestos-containing products supplied by Fairmont. In addition, while Fairmont may be entitled to indemnity or contribution in certain jurisdictions from manufacturers of identified products,

 

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the availability of such indemnity or contribution is unclear at this time, and in recent years, some of the manufacturers named as defendants in these actions have sought protection from these claims under bankruptcy laws. Fairmont has no insurance coverage with respect to these asbestos cases. Past payments by Fairmont with respect to asbestos cases have not been material. Our current estimates related to these asbestos claims, individually and in the aggregate, are immaterial to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of CONSOL Energy. However, it is reasonably possible that payments in the future with respect to pending or future asbestos cases may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

CONSOL Energy was notified in November 2004 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it is a potentially responsible party (PRP) under Superfund legislation with respect to the Ward Transformer site in Wake County, North Carolina. At that time, the EPA also identified 38 other PRPs for the Ward Transformer site. The EPA, CONSOL Energy and two other PRPs entered into an administrative Settlement Agreement and Order of Consent, requiring those PRPs to undertake and complete a PCB soil removal action, at and in the vicinity of the Ward Transformer property. Another party joined the participating PRPs and reduced CONSOL Energy’s interim allocation share from 46% to 32%. In June 2008, while conducting the PCB soil excavation on the Ward property, it was determined that PCBs have migrated onto adjacent properties.

The current estimated cost of remedial action for the area CONSOL Energy was originally named a PRP, including payment of the EPA’s past and future cost, is approximately $55,000. The current estimated cost of the most likely remediation plan for one of the additional areas discovered is approximately $10,000. Also, in September 2008, the EPA notified CONSOL Energy and 60 other PRPs that there were additional areas of potential contamination allegedly related to the Ward Transformer Site. Current estimates of the cost or potential range of cost for this area are not yet available. There was no expense recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010 related to this matter. There was $2,336 of expense recognized in cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2009. CONSOL Energy funded $1,209 and $2,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to an independent trust established for this remediation. The remaining liability at March 31, 2010 of $4,707 is reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities.

As of April 30, 2009, CONSOL Energy and the other participating PRPs had asserted CERCLA cost recovery and contribution claims against approximately 225 nonparticipating PRPs to recover a share of the costs incurred and to be incurred to conduct the removal actions at the Ward Site. CONSOL Energy’s portion of probable recoveries from settled claims is estimated to be $3,571. Accordingly, an asset has been included in Other Assets for these claims. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this Superfund site; however, it is reasonably possible that payments in the future with respect to this lawsuit may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

As part of conducting mining activities at the Buchanan Mine, our subsidiary, Consolidation Coal Company (“CCC”), has to remove water from the mine. Several actions have arisen with respect to the removal of naturally accumulating and pumped water from the Buchanan Mine:

Yukon Pocahontas Coal Company, Buchanan Coal Company and Sayers-Pocahontas Coal Company (“Yukon”) filed an action on March 22, 2004 against CCC which is presently pending in the Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Virginia (the “Yukon Action”). The action is related to CCC’s depositing of untreated water from its Buchanan Mine into the void spaces of nearby mines of one of our other subsidiaries, Island Creek Coal Company (“ICCC”). The plaintiffs are seeking to stop CCC from depositing any additional water in these areas, to require CCC to remove the water that is stored there along with any remaining impurities, to recover over $3,252,000 for alleged damages to the coal and gas estates and punitive damages in the amount of $350. Plaintiffs have also asserted damage claims of $150,000 against CONSOL Energy, CNX Gas Company, LLC and ICCC. On March 3, 2010, the trial court delivered an opinion granting partial summary judgment in favor of Yukon, holding that CCC had no legal right to dump or store water from its Buchanan mine into other mines

 

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where Yukon has coal and gas interests. The decision did not address any damages suffered by plaintiffs. CONSOL Energy believes that this decision is flawed in numerous respects and CCC has and continues to have the right to deposit mine water from Buchanan Mine into void spaces at nearby mines. CCC has filed a motion for reconsideration, and intends to try the case on the issue of damages, and, if appropriate and allowed, appeal the court’s decision on the plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment to the Virginia Supreme Court. Trial is scheduled for June 1, 2010. The Yukon group has recently filed a demand for arbitration (the “2008 Arbitration”) against ICCC which makes similar claims relating to breach of the lease for water deposits and lost coal claims.

CCC obtained a revision to its environmental permit to deposit water from its Buchanan Mine into void spaces of VP3, and to permit the discharge of water into the nearby Levisa River under controlled conditions. Plaintiffs in the Yukon Action along with the Town of Grundy, Virginia, Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, and others have appealed the revision.

We believe that CCC has and continues to have the right to deposit mine water from Buchanan Mine into void spaces at nearby mines. We also believe CCC was properly issued environmental permits to deposit water from the Buchanan Mine into VP3 and to discharge water into the Levisa River. CCC and the other named CONSOL Energy defendants in the Yukon Action deny all liability and intend to vigorously defend the action filed against them in connection with the removal and deposit of water from the Buchanan Mine, as well as environmental permits issued to CCC. If a temporary or permanent injunction were to be issued against CCC, if the environmental permits were temporarily suspended or revoked, or if damages were awarded to plaintiffs, the result may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

In 2006, CONSOL Energy and CCC were served with a summons in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia with the Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Virginia regarding a special grand jury presentment in response to citizens’ complaints that noise resulting from the ventilation fan at the Buchanan Mine constitutes a public nuisance. CONSOL Energy and CCC deny that the operation of the ventilation fan is a public nuisance and intend to vigorously defend this proceeding. However, if the operation of the ventilation fan is ordered to be stopped, the result may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

In 2007 Bluestone Coal Corporation filed a lawsuit against the Company and its subsidiary, CNX Land Resources, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The suit alleged that the Company breached a contract that allegedly provides Bluestone with an option to lease coal reserves within a seven-and-one-half mile radius of Bishop, WV and sought damages of $1,200,000. The writing relied upon only refers to a right of first refusal, rather than an option. The lawsuit has been settled. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but include CONSOL Energy granting to Bluestone the option to acquire certain mining assets and reserves. In the three months ended March 31, 2010, Bluestone exercised one of its options to acquire the Jones Fork operation in Kentucky, which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $11,585. The remaining settlement terms did not materially impact the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (“SCE&G”), a utility, has demanded arbitration, seeking $36,000 in damages against CONSOL of Kentucky and CONSOL Energy Sales Company. SCE&G claims it suffered damages in obtaining cover coal to replace coal which was not delivered in 2008 under a coal sales agreement. The Company counterclaimed against SCE&G for $9,400 for terminating coal shipments under the sales agreement which SCE&G had agreed could be made up in 2009. A hearing on the claims is scheduled for October 11, 2010. The named CONSOL Energy defendants deny all liability and intend to vigorously defend the action filed against them. However, if damages were awarded to SCE&G, the result may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

In 2009, a fish kill occurred in Dunkard Creek, which is a creek with segments in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The fish kill was caused by the growth of golden algae in the creek, which appears to be an

 

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invasive species. Our subsidiary, CCC, discharges treated mine water into Dunkard Creek from its Blacksville No. 2 Mine and from its Loveridge Mine. The discharges have levels of chlorides that cause Dunkard Creek to exceed West Virginia in-stream water quality standards. Prior to the fish kill and continuing thereafter, CCC was subject to an Agreed Order with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (“WVDEP”) that sets forth a schedule for compliance with these in-stream chloride limits. On December 18, 2009, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued a unilateral Order that imposes additional conditions on CCC’s discharges into Dunkard Creek and requires CCC to develop a plan for long-term treatment of those and other high-chloride discharges. The Dunkard Creek fish kill is being investigated by several agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also involved. We are cooperating with these investigations. We do not believe that there is a connection between the fish kill and our discharge of water into Dunkard Creek, but the investigation of the matter is continuing. Pursuant to the December 18, 2009 WVDEP Unilateral Order, CCC submitted a plan and schedule to WVDEP which provides for construction of a centralized advanced technology mine water treatment plant by May 31, 2013 to achieve compliance with chloride effluent limits and in-stream chloride water quality standards. The cost of the treatment plant may reach or exceed $100,000. Additionally, CCC is currently negotiating a joint Consent Decree with EPA and the WVDEP that is likely to include the compliance plan and schedule that was submitted to WVDEP. The Consent Decree is also likely to include civil penalties to settle alleged past violations related to chlorides without an admission of liability. The parties have not yet discussed the amount of a civil penalty. The Consent Decree will provide CCC with a schedule for orderly construction of the advanced water treatment plant and related facilities. If we are required to comply with in-stream chloride limits on an accelerated basis or if we enter into a Consent Decree that includes a civil penalty, it is reasonably possible that the liabilities or costs that could be incurred by CONSOL Energy in the future with respect to these matters may be material to the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

CONSOL Energy has been named as a defendant in five putative class actions brought by alleged shareholders of CNX Gas challenging the proposed tender offer by CONSOL Energy to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas common stock that CONSOL Energy does not already own. The cases are: Schurr v. CONSOL Energy and others (No. 2010-2333), filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania on March 29, 2010; Gummel v. CONSOL Energy (No. 5377-VCL), filed March 29, 2010 in the Delaware Court of Chancery ; Polen v. CONSOL Energy and others (No. 2010-2626), filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania on April 12, 2010; Gaines v. CONSOL Energy and others (No. 5378), filed March 30, 2010 in the Delaware Court of Chancery; and Hurwitz v. CONSOL Energy and others (NO. 5405), filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery on April 13, 2010. Other than the Gummel case, the suits also name CNX Gas and certain officers and directors of CONSOL Energy and CNX Gas as defendants. All five actions generally allege that CONSOL Energy has breached and/or has aided and abetted in the breach of fiduciary duties purportedly owed to CNX Gas public shareholders. Among other things, the actions seek a permanent injunction against or rescission of the proposed tender offer, damages, and attorneys’ fees and expenses. CONSOL Energy believes that these actions are without merit and intends to defend them vigorously. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation; however, if damages were awarded to plaintiffs, the result may be material to the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

As a result of market conditions, permitting issues, new regulatory requirements and resulting changes in mining plans, the reclamation liability associated with the Fola mining operations in West Virginia is expected to increase. Our initial belief is that as a result of the changes in mine plans and because mining in some areas is anticipated to be curtailed earlier than originally anticipated, the quantity of material required to reclaim the operation in its present state will be increased. As of this time, no detailed reclamation plan has been developed and the definitive costs associated with the increased reclamation are not available, however, our initial estimates indicate the reclamation liability could equal or exceed $25,000. As a result, $25,000 of expense was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Detailed reclamation plans and mining plans are being developed to determine the impacts of these revised plans on the associate reclamation liability. It is reasonably possible that

 

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the liabilities or costs that could be incurred by CONSOL Energy in the future with respect to Fola reclamation may be material to the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

On February 14, 2007, GeoMet, Inc. and certain of its affiliates filed a lawsuit against CONSOL Energy and certain of its affiliates, including CNX Gas Company LLC, in the Circuit Court for the County of Tazewell, Virginia. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the defendants have violated the Virginia Antitrust Act in their dealings with GeoMet in southwest Virginia. The complaint, as amended, seeks injunctive relief, compensatory damages of $385,600 and treble damages. CNX Gas continues to believe this lawsuit to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it. In April 2010, CNX Gas and GeoMet entered into an agreement involving the exchange of less than 800 acres of coalbed methane rights in Virginia and the grant by Consolidation Coal Company to GeoMet of consent to stimulate the coal seam on certain of GeoMet’s drilling units in Virginia. This litigation was settled as part of that transaction. CNX Gas did not pay any amount to GeoMet in connection with the settlement of this litigation.

On January 7, 2009, CNX Gas received a civil investigative demand for information and documents from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding the company’s exploration, production, transportation and sale of coalbed methane gas in Virginia. According to the request, the Attorney General is investigating whether the company may have violated the Virginia Antitrust Act. The request for information does not constitute the commencement of legal proceedings and does not make any specific allegations against the company. CNX Gas does not believe that it has violated the Virginia Antitrust Act and the company is cooperating with the Attorney General’s investigation.

The Company is a party to a case filed in 2007 captioned Earl Kennedy (and others) v. CNX Gas and CONSOL Energy in the Court of Common Pleas of Greene County, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges that CNX Gas and CONSOL Energy trespassed and converted gas and other minerals allegedly belonging to the plaintiffs in connection with wells drilled by CNX Gas. The complaint, as amended, seeks injunctive relief, including having CNX Gas be removed from the property, and compensatory damages of $20,000. The suit also sought to overturn existing law as to the ownership of coalbed methane in Pennsylvania, but that claim was dismissed by the court; the plaintiffs are seeking to appeal that dismissal. CNX Gas believes this lawsuit to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this litigation; however, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate liabilities in the future with respect to these lawsuits and claims may be material to the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of CONSOL Energy.

In April 2005, Buchanan County, Virginia (through its Board of Supervisors and Commissioner of Revenue) filed a lawsuit against CNX Gas Company LLC in the Circuit Court of the County of Buchanan for the year 2002; the county has since filed and served three substantially similar cases for years 2003, 2004 and 2005. These cases have been consolidated. The complaint alleges that CNX Gas’ calculation of the license tax on the basis of the wellhead value (sales price less post production costs) rather than the sales price is improper. For the period from 1999 through mid 2002, CNX Gas paid the tax on the basis of the sales price, but we have filed a claim for a refund for these years. Since 2002, we have continued to pay Buchanan County taxes based on our method of calculating the taxes. This matter was settled on February 2, 2010. Under the terms of the settlement, among other things, CNX Gas agreed to pay an amount to Buchanan County, the present value of which was previously accrued for this matter, and Buchanan County agreed to certain deductions for post-production costs in the calculation of the license tax for periods after January 1, 2010, which will reduce our costs in the future.

At March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy has provided the following financial guarantees, unconditional purchase obligations and letters of credit to certain third parties, as described by major category in the following table. These amounts represent the maximum potential total of future payments that we could be required to make under these instruments. These amounts have not been reduced for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. Generally, recoveries under reclamation bonds would be limited to the extent of the work performed at the time of the default. No amounts related to these financial guarantees and letters of credits are recorded as liabilities on the financial statements. CONSOL Energy management believes that these

 

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guarantees will expire without being funded, and therefore the commitments will not have a material adverse effect on financial condition.

 

     Amount of Commitment
Expiration Per Period
     Total
Amounts
Committed
   Less Than
1 Year
   1-3 Years    3-5 Years    Beyond
5 Years

Letters of Credit:

              

Employee-Related

   $ 192,789    $ 128,292    $ 64,497    $ —      $ —  

Environmental

     57,842      35,895      21,947      —        —  

Gas

     14,913      14,913      —        —        —  

Other

     11,765      11,601      164      —        —  
                                  

Total Letters of Credit

     277,309      190,701      86,608      —        —  
                                  

Surety Bonds:

              

Employee-Related

     193,251      174,251      19,000      —        —  

Environmental

     363,082      349,602      13,480      —        —  

Gas

     4,456      4,392      64      —        —  

Other

     9,774      9,761      13      —        —  
                                  

Total Surety Bonds

     570,563      538,006      32,557      —        —  
                                  

Guarantees:

              

Coal

     87,677      62,029      19,648      1,000      5,000

Gas

     53,085      27,448      22,537      —        3,100

Other

     266,323      44,100      69,757      44,096      108,370
                                  

Total Guarantees

     407,085      133,577      111,942      45,096      116,470
                                  

Total Commitments

   $ 1,254,957    $ 862,284    $ 231,107    $ 45,096    $ 116,470
                                  

Employee-related financial guarantees have primarily been provided to support the United Mine Workers’ of America’s 1992 Benefit Plan and various state workers’ compensation self-insurance programs. Environmental financial guarantees have primarily been provided to support various performance bonds related to reclamation and other environmental issues. Gas financial guarantees have primarily been provided to support various performance bonds related to land usage and restorative issues. Other guarantees have been provided to support insurance policies, legal matters related to the full and timely payments to lessors of mining equipment, and various other items necessary in the normal course of business.

CONSOL Energy and CNX Gas enter into long-term unconditional purchase obligations to procure major equipment purchases, natural gas firm transportation, gas drilling services and other operating goods and services. These purchase obligations are not recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of March 31, 2010, the purchase obligations for each of the next five years and beyond were as follows:

 

Obligations Due

   Amount

Less than 1 year

   $ 59,490

1-3 years

     74,887

3-5 years

     62,240

More than 5 years

     333,337
      

Total Purchase Obligations

   $ 529,954
      

Costs related to major equipment purchases under these purchase obligations were $18,205 and $63,383 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Firm transportation expense under these

 

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purchase obligations was $6,695 and $4,586 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Expenses related to gas drilling purchase obligations were $605 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Expenses related to other operating goods and services under these purchase obligations was $30 and $30 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

NOTE 11—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:

CONSOL Energy enters into financial derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price volatility. We measure each derivative instrument at fair value and record it on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded currently in earnings unless special hedge accounting criteria are met. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the changes in fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are recorded in earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in fair value of the derivative are reported in Other Comprehensive Income or Loss (OCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods which the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portions of hedges are recognized in earnings in the current year. CONSOL Energy currently utilizes only cash flow hedges that are considered highly effective.

CONSOL Energy formally assesses both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair values or the cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, CONSOL Energy will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. The creditworthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review. All of the counterparties to CONSOL Energy’s natural gas derivative instruments also participate in CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties.

CONSOL Energy has entered into forward and option contracts on various commodities to manage the price risk associated with the forecasted revenues from those commodities. The objective of these hedges is to reduce the variability of the cash flows associated with the forecasted revenues from the underlying commodities.

As of March 31, 2010, the total notional amount of the Company’s outstanding natural gas forward contracts was 73.1 billion cubic feet. These forward contracts are forecasted to settle through December 31, 2012 and meet the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting. During the next year, $75,816 of unrealized gain is expected to be reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income into earnings. No gains or losses have been reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges.

As of March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy did not have any outstanding coal sales options. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, CONSOL Energy recognized in Other Income on the Consolidated Statement of Income, a gain of $2,135 for the coal sales options which were not designated as hedging instruments.

The fair value of CONSOL Energy’s derivative instruments at March 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

     Derivatives
As of March 31, 2010
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value

Derivative designated as hedging instruments

     

Natural Gas Price Swaps

   Prepaid Expense    $ 124,811

Natural Gas Price Swaps

   Other Assets      44,200
         

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $ 169,011
         

 

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The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship

  Amount of
Gain

Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative
2010
  Location of
Gain
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
  Amount of
Gain
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income

2010
  Location of
(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
  Amount of
(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
2010
 

Natural Gas Price Swaps

  $ 74,708   Outside Sales   $ 43,399   Outside Sales   $ (142
                       

Total

  $ 74,708     $ 43,399     $ (142
                       

The fair value of CONSOL Energy’s derivative instruments at December 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

     Derivatives
As of December 31, 2009
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value

Derivative designated as hedging instruments

     

Natural Gas Price Swaps

   Prepaid Expense    $ 99,265

Natural Gas Price Swaps

   Other Assets      18,218
         

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $ 117,483
         

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:

 

Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship

  Amount of
Gain
Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative

2009
  Location of
Gain
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into

Income
  Amount of
Gain
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income

2009
  Location of
(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
  Amount of
(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
2009
 

Natural Gas Price Swaps

  $ 78,948     Outside Sales   $ 50,618   Outside Sales   $ (375
                       

Total

  $ 78,948     $ 50,618     $ (375
                       

Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments

  Location of Gain
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
  Amount of Gain
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

2009
             

Coal Sales Options

    Other Income   $ 2,135      
             

Total

    $ 2,135      
             

 

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NOTE 12—OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

Total comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was as follows:

 

     Treasury
Rate
Lock
    Change in
Fair Value
of Cash Flow
Hedges
    Adjustments
for Actuarially
Determined
Liabilities
    Adjustments
for Non-
controlling
Interest
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 180      $ 71,378      $ (699,434   $ (12,628   $ (640,504

Net increase in value of cash flow hedges

     —          74,850        —          (12,500     62,350   

Reclassification of cash flow hedges from other comprehensive income to earnings

     —          (43,399     —          7,248        (36,151

Current period change

     (23     —          4,793        (2     4,768   
                                        

Balance at March 31, 2010

   $ 157      $ 102,829      $ (694,641   $ (17,882   $ (609,537
                                        

NOTE 13—FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

The financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2010

Description

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Liabilities
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

Gas Cash Flow Hedges

   $ —      $ 169,011    $ —  

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

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

Short-term notes payable: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for short-term notes payable approximates its fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on current market rates for instruments with similar cash flows.

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments for which the fair value option was not elected are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,879,007      $ 1,879,007      $ 65,607      $ 65,607   

Short-term notes payable

   $ (566,150   $ (566,150   $ (472,850   $ (472,850

Borrowings Under Securitization Facility

   $ (50,000   $ (50,000   $ (50,000   $ (50,000

Long-term debt

   $ (401,318   $ (419,069   $ (402,753   $ (420,056

 

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NOTE 14—SEGMENT INFORMATION:

CONSOL Energy has two principal business units: Coal and Gas. The principal activities of the Coal unit are mining, preparation and marketing of steam coal, sold primarily to power generators, and metallurgical coal, sold to metal and coke producers. The Coal unit includes five reportable segments. These reportable segments are Northern Appalachian, Central Appalachian, Low Volatile Metallurgical, High Volatile Metallurgical and Other Coal. Each of these reportable segments includes a number of operating segments (mines or type of coal sold). For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Northern Appalachian aggregated segment includes the following mines: Blacksville #2, Robinson Run, McElroy, Loveridge, Bailey, Enlow Fork and Shoemaker. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Central Appalachian aggregated segment includes the following mines or type of coal: Jones Fork Contractors, the Miller Creek Complex and Buchanan steam sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Low Volatile Metallurgical aggregated segment includes the Buchanan mine. For the three months ended March 31, 2010, the High Volatile Metallurgical aggregated segment includes: Bailey, Enlow Fork and Emery coal sales. The Other Coal segment includes our purchased coal activities, idled mine cost, coal segment business units not meeting aggregation criteria, as well as various other activities assigned to the coal segment but not allocated to each individual mine. The principal activity of the Gas unit is to produce pipeline quality methane gas for sale primarily to gas wholesalers. CONSOL Energy’s All Other segment includes terminal services, river and dock services, industrial supply services and other business activities, including rentals of buildings and flight operations. Intersegment sales have been recorded at amounts approximating market. Operating profit for each segment is based on sales less identifiable operating and non-operating expenses. Certain reclassifications of 2009 segment information have been made to conform to the 2010 presentation, which include changes in segment classification of mines or type of coal sold from mines between the Central Appalachian segment, the Low Volatile Metallurgical segment and the Other Coal segment.

Industry segment results for three months ended March 31, 2010 are:

 

    Northern
Appalachian
  Central
Appalachian
  Low Volatile
Metallurgical
  High Volatile
Metallurgical
  Other
Coal
    Total Coal   Gas   All
Other
  Corporate,
Adjustments
&
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Sales—outside

  $ 609,397   $ 67,309   $ 126,457   $ 57,367   $ 63,080      $ 923,610   $ 173,147   $ 72,757   $ —        $ 1,169,514   

Sales—Purchased Gas

    —       —       —       —       —          —       3,016     —       —          3,016   

Sales—Gas Royalty Interests

    —       —       —       —       —          —       14,339     —       —          14,339   

Freight—outside

    —       —       —       —       31,200        31,200     —       —       —          31,200   

Intersegment transfers

    —       —       —       —       —          —       866     43,604     (44,470     —     
                                                                 

Total Sales and Freight

  $ 609,397   $ 67,309   $ 126,457   $ 57,367   $ 94,280      $ 954,810   $ 191,368   $ 116,361   $ (44,470   $ 1,218,069   
                                                                 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ 149,936   $ 9,378   $ 41,511   $ 30,254   $ (99,752   $ 131,327   $ 72,838   $ 2,392   $ (64,389   $ 142,168 (A) 
                                                                 

Segment assets

            $ 4,948,660   $ 2,264,026   $ 310,551   $ 2,351,327      $ 9,874,564 (B) 
                                           

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

            $ 82,324   $ 32,092   $ 4,770   $ —        $ 119,186   
                                           

Capital expenditures

            $ 199,325   $ 65,314   $ 705   $ —        $ 265,344   
                                           

 

(A) Includes equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates of $2,430, ($517) and $1,960 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.
(B) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $15,648, $24,074 and $48,134 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.

 

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Industry segment results for three months ended March 31, 2009 are:

 

    Northern
Appalachian
  Central
Appalachian
  Low Volatile
Metallurgical
  High Volatile
Metallurgical
  Other
Coal
    Total Coal   Gas   All
Other
  Corporate,
Adjustments
&
Eliminations
    Consolidated  

Sales—outside

  $ 684,322   $ 65,459   $ 69,543   $ —     $ 98,912      $ 918,236   $ 161,905   $ 70,103   $ —        $ 1,150,244   

Sales—Purchased Gas

    —       —       —       —       —          —       1,465     —       —          1,465   

Sales—Gas Royalty Interests

    —       —       —       —       —          —       12,632     —       —          12,632   

Freight—outside

    —       —       —       —       30,916        30,916     —       —       —          30,916   

Intersegment transfers

    —       —       —       —       —          —       435     37,519     (37,954     —     
                                                                 

Total Sales and Freight

  $ 684,322   $ 65,459   $ 69,543     —     $ 129,828      $ 949,152   $ 176,437   $ 107,622   $ (37,954   $ 1,195,257   
                                                                 

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

  $ 248,330   $ 10,754   $ 23,325     —     $ (66,768   $ 215,641   $ 89,005   $ 9,003   $ (28,943   $ 284,706 (C) 
                                                                 

Segment assets

            $ 4,603,165   $ 2,203,067   $ 334,027   $ 432,028      $ 7,572,287 (D) 
                                           

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

            $ 78,205   $ 22,819   $ 5,195   $ —        $ 106,219   
                                           

Capital expenditures

            $ 160,935   $ 133,550   $ 5,075   $ —        $ 299,560   
                                           

 

(C) Includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates of $1,428, $262 and $1,671 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively.
(D) Includes investments in unconsolidated equity affiliates of $10,093, $25,466 and $40,078 for Coal, Gas and All Other, respectively. Also, included in the Coal segment is $59,354 of receivables related to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Amounts:

Earnings Before Income Taxes:

 

     For the Three Months  Ended
March 31,
 
           2010                 2009        

Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes for total reportable business segments

   $ 204,165      $ 304,646   

Segment Earnings Before Income Taxes for all other businesses

     2,392        9,003   

Incentive Compensation (E)

     (9,923     (8,841

Compensation from restricted stock unit grants, stock option expense and performance share unit expense (E)

     (6,490     (8,786

Interest income (expense), net and other non-operating activity (E)

     (1,541     (8,432

Acquisition and Financing Fees

     (46,563     —     

Operating lease cease-use

     128        —     

Corporate Restructuring (E)

     —          (2,884
                

Earnings Before Income Taxes

   $ 142,168      $ 284,706   
                

 

Total Assets:    March 31,
   2010    2009
     

Segment assets for total reportable business segments

   $ 7,212,686    $ 6,806,232

Segment assets for all other businesses

     310,551      334,027

Items excluded from segment assets:

     

Cash and other investments (E)

     1,878,464      71,680

Deferred tax assets

     472,261      359,401

Bond issuance costs

     602      947
             

Total Consolidated Assets

   $ 9,874,564    $ 7,572,287
             

 

(E) Excludes amounts specifically related to the gas segment.

 

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NOTE 15—GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

The payment obligations under the $250,000, 7.875% per annum notes due March 1, 2012 issued by CONSOL Energy are jointly and severally, and also fully and unconditionally guaranteed by several subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. In accordance with positions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the following financial information sets forth separate financial information with respect to the parent, CNX Gas, an 83.3% owned guarantor subsidiary, the remaining guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries. CNX Gas is presented in a separate column in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10. CNX Gas Corporation is a reporting company under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, and as such, CNX Gas Corporation files its own financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those financial statements, when filed, are publicly available on Edgar. The principal elimination entries include investments in subsidiaries and certain intercompany balances and transactions. CONSOL Energy, the parent, and a guarantor subsidiary manage several assets and liabilities of all other 100% owned subsidiaries. These include, for example, deferred tax assets, cash and other post-employment liabilities. These assets and liabilities are reflected as parent company or guarantor company amounts for purposes of this presentation.

Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Parent
Issuer
    CNX Gas
Guarantor
   Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non-
Guarantors
   Elimination     Consolidated  

Sales—Outside

   $ —        $ 174,013    $ 946,077      $ 50,456    $ (1,032   $ 1,169,514   

Sales—Purchased Gas

     —          3,016      —          —        —          3,016   

Sales—Gas Royalty Interests

     —          14,339      —          —        —          14,339   

Freight—Outside

     —          —        31,200        —        —          31,200   

Other Income (including equity earnings) .

     193,898        896      8,035        6,308      (187,146     21,991   
                                              

Total Revenue and Other Income

     193,898        192,264      985,312        56,764      (188,178     1,240,060   

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     19,608        41,979      636,152        3,407      65,716        766,862   

Purchased Gas Costs

     —          2,308      —          —        —          2,308   

Acquisition and Financing Fees

     46,563        —        —          —        —          46,563   

Gas Royalty Interests Costs

     —          12,214      —          —        (17     12,197   

Related Party Activity

     (1,983     —        (1,982     44,517      (40,552     —     

Freight Expense

     —          —        31,200        —        —          31,200   

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —          23,575      28,095        287      (21,827     30,130   

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     3,404        32,092      83,011        679      —          119,186   

Interest Expense

     3,750        1,915      2,566        5      (91     8,145   

Taxes Other Than Income

     2,539        4,781      73,214        767      —          81,301   
                                              

Total Costs

     73,881        118,864      852,256        49,662      3,229        1,097,892   
                                              

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     120,017        73,400      133,056        7,102      (191,407     142,168   

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (26,816     27,967      30,795        2,340      —          34,286   
                                              

Net Income

     146,833        45,433      102,261        4,762      (191,407     107,882   

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

     —          194      (194     —        (7,613     (7,613
                                              

Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders

   $ 146,833      $ 45,627    $ 102,067      $ 4,762    $ (199,020   $ 100,269   
                                              

 

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Balance Sheet at March 31, 2010:

 

     Parent
Issuer
    CNX Gas
Guarantor
    Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non-
Guarantors
    Elimination     Consolidated

Assets:

            

Current Assets:

            

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 1,844,382      $ 1,093      $ 32,084      $ 1,448      $ —        $ 1,879,007

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

            

Trade

     —          46,749        37        426,570        —          473,356

Securitized

     50,000        —          —          —          —          50,000

Other

     1,921        579        5,265        5,376        —          13,141

Inventories

     1        —          284,366        43,076        —          327,443

Deferred Income Taxes

     108,795        (44,895     —          —          —          63,900

Prepaid Expenses

     21,127        129,355        33,778        1,641        —          185,901
                                              

Total Current Assets

     2,026,226        132,881        355,530        478,111        —          2,992,748

Property, Plant and Equipment:

            

Property, Plant and Equipment

     160,759        2,480,394        8,077,949        25,142        —          10,744,244

Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     86,198        466,390        3,965,725        16,877        —          4,535,190
                                              

Property, Plant and Equipment-Net

     74,561        2,014,004        4,112,224        8,265        —          6,209,054

Other Assets:

            

Deferred Income Taxes

     764,897        (356,536     —          —          —          408,361

Investment in Affiliates

     4,614,662        24,074        708,118        4,838        (5,263,836     87,856

Other

     74,723        48,131        42,280        11,411        —          176,545
                                              

Total Other Assets

     5,454,282        (284,331     750,398        16,249        (5,263,836     672,762
                                              

Total Assets

   $ 7,555,069      $ 1,862,554      $ 5,218,152      $ 502,625      $ (5,263,836   $ 9,874,564
                                              

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

            

Current Liabilities:

            

Accounts Payable

   $ 99,750      $ 63,724      $ 124,966      $ 16,870      $ —        $ 305,310

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)- Related Parties

     1,914,489        2,725        (2,306,002     388,788        —          —  

Short-Term Notes Payable

     517,000        49,150        —          —          —          566,150

Current Portion Long-Term Debt

     552        8,756        35,923        459        —          45,690

Accrued Income Taxes

     42,082        20,157        (20,157     —          —          42,082

Borrowings under Securitization Facility

     50,000        —          —          —          —          50,000

Other Accrued Liabilities

     687,957        24,159        (110,308     7,717        —          609,525
                                              

Total Current Liabilites

     3,311,830        168,671        (2,275,578     413,834        —          1,618,757

Long-Term Debt:

     250,322        63,609        106,003        654        —          420,588

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

            

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     —          3,699        2,681,128        —          —          2,684,827

Pneumoconiosis

     —          —          186,310        —          —          186,310

Mine Closing

     —          —          388,597        —          —          388,597

Gas Well Closing

     —          8,341        72,839        —          —          81,180

Workers’ Compensation

     —          —          154,602        11        —          154,613

Salary Retirement

     176,959        —          —          (6     —          176,953

Reclamation

     (3,412     —          49,475        —          —          46,063

Other

     85,705        31,958        12,104        5        —          129,772
                                              

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     259,252        43,998        3,545,055        10        —          3,848,315

Total Consol Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity

     3,733,665        1,590,525        3,838,423        88,127        (5,516,158     3,734,582

Noncontrolling Interest

     —          (4,249     4,249        —          252,322        252,322
                                              

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 7,555,069      $ 1,862,554      $ 5,218,152      $ 502,625      $ (5,263,836   $ 9,874,564
                                              

 

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Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2009:

 

     Parent
Issuer
    CNX Gas
Guarantor
   Other
Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non-
Guarantors
   Elimination     Consolidated  

Sales—Outside

   $ —        $ 162,340    $ 938,424      $ 50,480    $ (1,000   $ 1,150,244   

Sales—Purchased Gas

     —          1,465      —          —        —          1,465   

Sales—Gas Royalty Interests

     —          12,632      —          —        —          12,632   

Freight—Outside

     —          —        30,916        —        —          30,916   

Other Income (including equity earnings)

     214,359        1,947      12,744        5,962      (211,518     23,494   
                                              

Total Revenue and Other Income

     214,359        178,384      982,084        56,442      (212,518     1,218,751   

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Charges

     18,496        33,675      529,734        47,842      37,875        667,622   

Purchased Gas Costs

     —          1,530      —          —        —          1,530   

Gas Royalty Interests Costs

     —          10,601      —          —        (10     10,591   

Related Party Activity

     547        —        28,158        428      (29,133     —     

Freight Expense

     —          —        30,916        —        —          30,916   

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     —          16,188      14,303        325      —          30,816   

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     3,343        22,819      81,250        661      (1,854     106,219   

Interest Expense

     3,825        1,957      2,812        4      (86     8,512   

Taxes Other Than Income

     1,880        2,533      72,777        649      —          77,839   
                                              

Total Costs

     28,091        89,303      759,950        49,909      6,792        934,045   
                                              

Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     186,268        89,081      222,134        6,533      (219,310     284,706   

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

     (9,551     34,440      52,374        2,472      —          79,735   
                                              

Net Income

     195,819        54,641      169,760        4,061      (219,310     204,971   

Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

     —          263      (263     —        (9,152     (9,152
                                              

Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Inc. Shareholders

   $ 195,819      $ 54,904    $ 169,497      $ 4,061    $ (228,462   $ 195,819   
                                              

 

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Balance Sheet at December 31, 2009:

 

     Parent
Issuer
   CNX Gas
Guarantor
    Subsidiary
Guarantors
    Non-
Guarantors
   Elimination     Consolidated

Assets:

              

Current Assets:

              

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 59,549    $ 1,124      $ 3,764      $ 1,170    $ —        $ 65,607

Accounts and Notes Receivable:

              

Trade

     —        43,421        113        273,926      —          317,460

Securitized

     50,000      —          —          —        —          50,000

Other

     4,781      975        3,281        6,946      —          15,983

Inventories

     —        —          262,755        44,842      —          307,597

Deferred Income Taxes

     108,254      (34,871     —          —        —          73,383

Prepaid Expenses

     18,979      103,094        36,767        2,166      —          161,006
                                            

Total Current Assets

     241,563      113,743        306,680        329,050      —          991,036

Property, Plant and Equipment:

              

Property, Plant and Equipment

     162,145      2,409,751        8,082,159        27,900      —          10,681,955

Less-Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     82,733      433,201        4,022,295        19,436      —          4,557,665
                                            

Property, Plant and Equipment-Net

     79,412      1,976,550        4,059,864        8,464      —          6,124,290

Other Assets:

              

Deferred Income Taxes

     759,790      (334,493     —          —        —          425,297

Investment in Affiliates

     4,399,823      24,591        797,269        3,921      (5,142,071     83,533

Other

     84,736      21,627        33,216        11,666      —          151,245
                                            

Total Other Assets

     5,244,349      (288,275     830,485        15,587      (5,142,071     660,075
                                            

Total Assets

   $ 5,565,324    $ 1,802,018      $ 5,197,029      $ 353,101    $ (5,142,071   $ 7,775,401
                                            

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

              

Current Liabilities:

              

Accounts Payable

   $ 93,876    $ 53,516      $ 114,872      $ 7,296    $ —        $ 269,560

Accounts Payable (Recoverable)—Related Parties

     2,117,616      5,171        (2,378,119     255,332      —          —  

Short-Term Notes Payable

     415,000      57,850        —          —        —          472,850

Current Portion Long-Term Debt

     501      8,616        35,853        424      —          45,394

Accrued Income Taxes

     27,944      31,765        (31,765     —        —          27,944

Borrowings under Securitization Facility

     50,000      —          —          —        —          50,000

Other Accrued Liabilities

     546,066      25,455        34,569        6,748      —          612,838
                                            

Total Current Liabilites

     3,251,003      182,373        (2,224,590     269,800      —          1,478,586

Long-Term Debt:

     250,255      65,690        106,369        594      —          422,908

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

              

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

     —        3,642        2,675,704        —        —          2,679,346

Pneumoconiosis

     —        —          184,965        —        —          184,965

Mine Closing

     —        —          397,320        —        —          397,320

Gas Well Closing

     —        8,312        77,680        —        —          85,992

Workers’ Compensation

     —        —          152,486        —        —          152,486

Salary Retirement

     189,697      —          —          —        —          189,697

Reclamation

     —        —          27,105        —        —          27,105

Other

     88,821      35,101        8,595        —        —          132,517
                                            

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

     278,518      47,055        3,523,855        —        —          3,849,428

Total Consol Energy Inc. Stockholders’ Equity

     1,785,548      1,511,270        3,787,025        82,707      (5,381,002     1,785,548

Noncontrolling Interest

     —        (4,370     4,370        —        238,931        238,931
                                            

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 5,565,324    $ 1,802,018      $ 5,197,029      $ 353,101    $ (5,142,071   $ 7,775,401
                                            

 

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Cash Flow for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010:

 

    Parent     CNX Gas     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Elimination   Consolidated  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

  $ (132,146   $ 75,203      $ 230,644      $ 409      $ —     $ 174,110   
                                             

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

           

Capital Expenditures

  $ —        $ (65,314   $ (200,030   $ —        $ —     $ (265,344

Investment in Equity Affiliates

    —          —          (450     —          —       (450

Other Investing Activities

    —          8        144        —          —       152   
                                             

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

  $ —        $ (65,306   $ (200,336   $ —        $ —     $ (265,642
                                             

Cash Flows from Financial Activities:

           

Dividends Paid

  $ (18,116   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     $ (18,116

Proceeds from Short Term Borrowing

    102,000        (8,700     —          —          —       93,300   

Proceeds from the Issuance of Common Stock

    1,828,862        —          —          —          —       1,828,862   

Other Financing Activities

    4,233        (1,228     (1,988     (131     —       886   
                                             

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

  $ 1,916,979      $ (9,928   $ (1,988   $ (131   $ —     $ 1,904,932   
                                             

Cash Flow for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009:

 

    Parent     CNX Gas     Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Elimination   Consolidated  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

  $ (2,583   $ 126,437      $ 126,122      $ (196   $ —     $ 249,780   
                                             

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

           

Capital Expenditures

  $ (29   $ (133,550   $ (165,981   $ —        $ —     $ (299,560

Investment in Equity Affiliates

    —          —          720        —          —       720   

Other Investing Activities

    —          —          43,827        —          —       43,827   
                                             

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

  $ (29   $ (133,550   $ (121,434   $ —        $ —     $ (255,013
                                             

Cash Flows from Financial Activities:

           

Dividends Paid

  $ (18,060   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     $ (18,060

Proceeds from Short Term Borrowing

    (45,000     7,700        —          —          —       (37,300

Other Financing Activities

    137        (2,267     (4,111     (123     —       (6,364
                                             

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

  $ (62,923   $ 5,433      $ (4,111   $ (123   $ —     $ (61,724
                                             

 

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NOTE 16—RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an update to the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification which is intended to provide additional application guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements. This update also provides amendments that require new disclosures regarding transfers between levels of fair value measurements. This guidance did not have an impact on CONSOL Energy.

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities, which is effective for CONSOL beginning July 1, 2010. The new guidance requires revised evaluations of whether entities represent variable interest entities, ongoing assessments of control over such entities, and additional disclosures for variable interests. We believe adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL’s financial statements.

NOTE 17—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

On April 1, 2010, CONSOL Energy closed the offering of $1,500,000 of 8.00% senior notes which mature on April 1, 2017 and $1,250,000 of 8.25% senior notes which mature on April 1, 2020. Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2010. The notes are guaranteed by substantially all of our existing and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. Net proceeds received related to the issuance of the senior notes were $2,698,273. The proceeds from this offering will be used to finance, in part, the Dominion Acquisition.

On April 23, 2010, CONSOL Energy amended the accounts receivable securitization facility to allow the Company to receive, on a revolving basis, up to $200,000. Previously, the facility provided up to $165,000 of short-term funding or letters of credit. The trade accounts receivable facility supports sales, on a continuous basis to financial institutions, of eligible trade accounts receivable. The facility was expanded to meet the future cash needs of the Company.

On April 28, 2010, CONSOL Energy commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas common stock that it does not currently own at a cash price of $38.25 per share. CONSOL Energy currently owns approximately 83.3% of the approximately 151 million shares of CNX Gas common stock outstanding. CONSOL Energy’s offer is subject to a number of conditions, including the condition, which cannot be waived, that there is tendered into the offer at least a majority of the outstanding CNX Gas shares not currently held by CONSOL Energy. Following the purchase by CONSOL Energy of shares of CNX Gas in the offer, CONSOL Energy intends to merge CNX Gas into a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, with CNX Gas surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy. As a result of the merger, each outstanding CNX Gas share will be converted into the right to receive $38.25. CONSOL Energy anticipates financing the acquisition of CNX Gas shares by means of internally generated funds, borrowings under its credit facilities and/or proceeds from its recently closed offering of common stock. Previously, on March 21, 2010, CONSOL Energy announced that it had entered into an agreement with T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., on behalf of its investment advisory clients owning approximately 9.5 million shares of CNX Gas common stock, or approximately 37% of the shares of CNX Gas that CONSOL Energy does not currently own. Under the agreement, CONSOL Energy agreed, subject to certain conditions, to commence this tender offer and T. Rowe Price agreed to tender these shares of CNX Gas common stock subject to the rights of certain clients with respect to those shares which are discretionary account shares.

On April 30, 2010, CONSOL Energy completed the Dominion Acquisition for a cash payment of $3,475,000 which will be principally allocated to oil and gas properties, wells and well related equipment. The acquisition includes approximately 1 Tcfe of net proved reserves and 1.45 million acres of oil and gas rights within the Appalachian Basin. Included in the acreage holdings are approximately 500 thousand prospective net Marcellus Shale acres located predominantly in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. The acquisition enhances our position as a leading unconventional gas producer and as a leading producer of gas in Appalachia.

We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. No additional material recognized or non-recognized subsequent events were identified.

 

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

General

CONSOL Energy reported net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders of $100.3 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders was $195.8 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2009. See “Results of Operations” below for a detailed explanation of the variance incurred in the period-to-period comparison.

Strengthening demand, decreasing coke stocks, and ongoing logistical constraints are setting up 2010 to be a very strong year for metallurgical coal. Steel plant capacity utilization rates in the U.S. and globally continues to improve compared to last year. Domestic steel mills are using approximately 73% of their capacity, while Asian steel mills currently are running at full capacity. Chinese steel demand is again driving world demand and pricing for coking coal. Through its agreement with Xcoal, CONSOL expects to increase its sales to Asian mills throughout 2010.

Going into the fourth quarter of 2009, thermal coal inventories were at historic highs. Because of the much colder than normal weather in December 2009 through February 2010, inventories at coal-fired power generators have been significantly drawn down, but are still somewhat higher than normal. Customers in our major market area (the PJM power pool) had an estimated 55-60 days of inventory on hand as of the end of March. CONSOL Energy believes that thermal coal inventories could return to normal by the end of the year. Despite the outlook for a gradual economic recovery, which would strengthen demand, low gas prices in 2010 could result in power generators continuing to burn gas in place of coal, based on dispatch economics. Just as in 2009, the company anticipates that up to 30 million tons of coal generation could be displaced by natural gas generation in 2010. This could offset some of the benefit from production cuts. With the tightening regulatory environment in Central Appalachia, increased economic activity and its low cost position, however, CONSOL Energy is in a position to increase market share in a flat-to-slightly expanding market. CONSOL’s ability to penetrate the Asian high-vol coking coal markets with some of its Northern Appalachian coals is also enabling the company to receive higher prices at its mines, while reducing supply into its traditional thermal markets.

At the close of the winter heating season, natural gas in storage fields was at 1,638 billion cubic feet. This was 160 billion cubic feet above the five-year average, but 16 billion cubic feet below last year’s level. Gas prices have weakened to about the $4.00 per million cubic feet level, as rising rig counts have caused concern that rising production could more than offset rising demand from an economic recovery. CNX Gas will add a second horizontal rig to its Marcellus Shale drilling program on June 1, 2010. CNX Gas, with its low costs and rising production volumes, is expected to outperform its peers during this period of price weakness.

Because of the rapidly changing regulatory environment in which CONSOL Energy operates, several factors may impact the cost of our coal and gas production in the future. The impacts of these changes cannot be determined with certainty at this time. Situations that may impact our costs include the following items:

 

   

On April 5, 2010, there was an explosion at Massey Energy Company’s Upper Big Branch Mine. Although the cause of the explosion is not known and may not be known for some time, as a result of this incident, it is likely that new legislation and regulations will be enacted seeking to improve the safety of underground coal mining operations. Further, it is likely that regulatory authorities will more strictly enforce existing laws and regulations. New safety requirements and enhanced enforcement efforts typically increase the costs of our coal mining operations, which would impact our margins and results of operations.

 

   

Enactment of laws or passage of regulations regarding emissions from combustion of fossil fuels by the U.S., individual states or by other countries could result in decreased consumption of coal and gas and

 

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switching to other energy technologies for electricity. It is likely that some form of legislation addressing global climate change will be enacted in the future, however, at this time it is not possible to determine the impact of potential legislation on our operations or financial condition. The level of impact will depend on numerous factors including the specific requirements imposed by legislation, the timing of legislation, time period for compliance, and the timing and commercial development of technologies associated with carbon capture and sequestration. Ultimately, the impact of possible legislation on our business will depend on the degree to which electricity generators are forced to reduce their consumption of coal or gas, install expensive technologies for carbon capture and sequestration, or switch to alternative energy sources. CONSOL Energy believes that if climate change legislation is passed, gas will be impacted to a lesser degree than coal and the Company has made strategic investment decisions to change its portfolio of assets to increase the contribution of gas to the Company’s business. In fact, over the short term, the Company expects gas to be the preferred fuel source for new power plants. Over the long term, CONSOL believes that with the development of new technologies for carbon capture and sequestration, both coal and gas will continue to be used as clean and competitive fuel sources for electric generation.

 

   

On April 1, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued detailed guidance to its regional offices to provide clarification of EPA’s expectations regarding EPA review of permits necessary for coal mining activities in the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee. The guidance pertains to the EPA’s review of proposed surface water discharge (NPDES) permits under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act, proposed permits for filling waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of projects covered by NEPA. In the guidance, the EPA creates a number of presumptions and instructs the regional offices to object to permits if the presumptions are implicated. One presumption is that conductivity levels above 500 micromhos per centimeter in streams below coal mining operations are harmful to aquatic insects and therefore violate state water quality standards. The 500 micromhos presumption is at least three times lower than the conductivity level that results from using the EPA’s standard protocol for determining toxicity to aquatic life. (Conductivity is a measurement of the concentration of ionized materials in water.) If this presumption is strictly applied, it will take longer to obtain NPDES permits and valley fill permits for mining operations, or permit applications may be denied. The guidance is likely to be challenged by the coal industry. It is too early to determine the impact of this policy if it remains in effect, but it could materially adversely affect our operations and results of operations.

 

   

Under existing Mine Health and Safety Administration regulations, the installation of higher strength seals to isolate abandoned areas or previously sealed areas of the mine are required. The increase in strength of seals was required to better protect the active sections of the underground mines from explosions, fires, or other situations that may occur within the sealed areas. CONSOL Energy has been replacing existing seals with the higher strength seals over the past two years. We currently estimate approximately 540 seals remaining that need to be replaced over the next two years. The cost of these seals is expensed as incurred.

 

   

As described more fully in “Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies” in Item I, Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, Consolidation Coal Company has submitted to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) a plan and schedule which provides for construction of a centralized advanced technology mine water treatment plant by June, 2013 to achieve compliance with chloride effluent limits and in-stream chloride water quality standards in tributaries to the Monongahela River. The cost of the treatment plant may reach or exceed $100,000. Additionally, CCC is currently negotiating a joint Consent Decree with the EPA and the WVDEP that is likely to include the compliance plan and schedule that was submitted to the WVDEP. The Consent Decree is also likely to include civil penalties to settle alleged past violations related to chlorides without an admission of liability. The parties have not yet discussed the amount of a civil penalty. The Consent Decree will provide CCC with a schedule for orderly construction of the advanced water treatment plant and related facilities.

 

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Health care reform legislation included a revision to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) regulations which will enable claimants to more easily qualify for a benefit under these regulations. The legislation also allows for a five-year look back on claims to determine if a previously denied claim will now become eligible. The new legislation will impact CONSOL Energy’s CWP liability, related expense and cashflows.

Although these items primarily impact CONSOL Energy’s coal business, management continues to believe our coal business will be successful in developing economic solutions to address these matters. Our coal business is also expected to continue to generate expanding margins due to:

 

   

Our dramatically improving low-volatile business with our Buchanan Coal Mine,

 

   

Our new high-volatile business, where we are selling Northern Appalachian coal to Asian and Brazilian steelmakers at expanded margins; and

 

   

Our improved thermal business, where the severe winter weather, and our high-volatile sales, have lowered thermal coal stockpiles.

We believe that coal will continue to provide the base load of the nation’s energy needs. Through our efforts during the last 10 years to improve our operating efficiencies at our major coal production sites we are well positioned to continue to provide our customers with low cost, high-British thermal units (btus) coal that we expect will generate returns to our shareholders.

Also, on April 30, 2010, CONSOL Energy closed on the $3.475 billion Dominion Acquisition, with the fair value assigned primarily to the proved and unproven gas reserves and acres acquired. The assets include nearly 1 trillion cubic feet of proved reserves and nearly 500 thousand acres of Marcellus Shale. Nearly all of the Marcellus Shale acreage being acquired is held by production. Such acreage has no drilling commitments, and therefore allows capital to be allocated on the basis of economics, not simply to hold expiring leases. The acquired acreage has a 12.5% royalty, except for about 20 thousand acres held in fee (meaning that it has no royalty). These attributes, when combined with their prime location, lead CONSOL Energy to believe that its Marcellus Shale position is the best in the industry. All of the Marcellus Shale acres are in southwestern Pennsylvania or northern West Virginia. The Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale acreage is concentrated in Indiana, Westmoreland, and Armstrong counties, while the West Virginia acreage is concentrated in Barbour, Lewis, and Upshur counties.

On April 23, 2010, CONSOL Energy amended the accounts receivable securitization facility to allow the Company to receive, on a revolving basis, up to $200,000. Previously, the facility provided up to $165,000 of short-term funding or letters of credit. The trade accounts receivable facility supports sales, on a continuous basis to financial institutions, of eligible trade accounts receivable. The facility was expanded to meet the future cash needs of the Company.

On April 28, 2010, CONSOL Energy commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas common stock that it does not currently own at a cash price of $38.25 per share. CONSOL Energy currently owns approximately 83.3% of the approximately 151 million shares of CNX Gas common stock outstanding. CONSOL Energy’s offer is subject to a number of conditions, including the condition, which cannot be waived, that there is tendered into the offer at least a majority of the outstanding CNX Gas shares not currently held by CONSOL Energy. Following the purchase by CONSOL Energy of shares of CNX Gas in the offer, CONSOL Energy intends to merge CNX Gas into a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, with CNX Gas surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy. As a result of the merger, each outstanding CNX Gas share will be converted into the right to receive $38.25. CONSOL Energy anticipates financing the acquisition of CNX Gas shares by means of internally generated funds, borrowings under its credit facilities and/or proceeds from its recently closed offering of common stock. Previously, on March 21, 2010, CONSOL Energy announced that it had entered into an agreement with T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., on behalf of its investment advisory clients owning approximately 9.5 million shares of CNX Gas common stock, or approximately 37% of the shares of CNX Gas that CONSOL Energy does not currently own. Under the agreement, CONSOL Energy agreed, subject to certain conditions, to commence this tender offer and T. Rowe Price agreed to tender these shares of CNX Gas common stock subject to the rights of certain clients with respect to those shares which are discretionary account shares.

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy

Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy changed primarily due to the following items (table in millions):

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Sales Outside

   $ 1,170    $ 1,150    $ 20      1.7

Sales Purchased Gas

     3      1      2      200.0

Sales Gas Royalty Interest

     14      13      1      7.7

Freight—Outside

     31      31      —        —     

Other Income

     22      24      (2   (8.3 )% 
                        

Total Revenue and Other Income

     1,240      1,219      21      1.7

Coal Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges

     767      666      101      15.2

Purchased Gas Costs

     2      2      —        —     

Gas Royalty Interest Costs

     12      11      1      9.1

Acquisition and Financing Fees

     47      —        47      100.0
                        

Total Cost of Goods Sold

     828      679      149      21.9

Freight Expense

     31      31      —        —     

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

     30      31      (1   (3.2 )% 

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

     119      106      13      12.3

Interest Expense

     8      9      (1   (11.1 )% 

Taxes Other Than Income

     82      78      4      5.1
                        

Total Costs

     1,098      934      164      17.6
                        

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     142      285      (143   (50.2 )% 

Income Tax Expense

     34      80      (46   (57.5 )% 
                        

Net Income

     108      205      (97   (47.3 )% 

Noncontrolling Interest

     8      9      (1   (11.1 )% 
                        

Net Income Attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders

   $ 100    $ 196    $ (96   (49.0 )% 
                        

Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $100 million compared to $196 million in the 2009 period. Net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders for the 2010 period decreased in comparison to the 2009 period primarily due to:

 

   

Acquisition and financing fees incurred in the 2010 period related to the Dominion Acquisition and the related financing transactions that were completed;

 

   

Lower overall average coal prices received and lower gas sales prices;

 

   

Higher average cost of goods sold and other charges per ton sold of company coal and gas production in the 2010 period; and

 

   

Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization.

Impairments in net income attributable to CONSOL Energy Shareholders were offset, in part, by the following items:

 

   

Higher volumes of gas produced; and

 

   

Lower income tax expense.

 

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See below for additional explanations.

Revenue

Revenue and other income increased due to the following items:

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Sales:

          

Produced Coal-Steam

   $ 717    $ 835    $ (118   (14.1 )% 

Produced Coal-Low Vol Met

     127      70      57      81.4

Produced Coal-High Vol Met

     57      —        57      100.0

Purchased Coal

     23      14      9      64.3

Produced Gas

     173      162      11      6.8

Industrial Supplies

     50      50      —        —     

Other

     23      19      4      21.1
                        

Total Sales—Outside

     1,170      1,150      20      1.7

Gas Royalty Interest

     14      13      1      7.7

Purchased Gas

     3      1      2      200.0

Freight Revenue

     31      31      —        —     

Other Income

     22      24      (2   (8.3 )% 
                        

Total Revenue and Other Income

   $ 1,240    $ 1,219    $ 21      1.7
                        

The decrease in company produced steam coal sales revenue during the 2010 period was due to lower sales volumes of steam coal sold and lower average sales prices.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance     Percentage
Change
 

Produced Steam Tons (in millions)

     13.1      14.8      (1.7   (11.5 )% 

Average Sales Price Per Ton-Steam

   $ 54.72    $ 56.45    $ (1.73   (3.1 )% 

Steam coal sales tons are lower in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the idling of the Mine 84 and Jones Fork Mines. Lower average sales prices for steam coal reflects the roll-off of higher priced contracts signed in the later half of 2008. Steam coal inventory was 3.8 million tons at March 31, 2010 compared to 2.9 million tons at December 31, 2009.

The increase in company produced low volatile metallurgical coal sales revenue during the 2010 period was due to the higher sales volumes of metallurgical coal sold, offset, in part, by lower average sales prices.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance     Percentage
Change
 

Produced Low Vol Metallurgical Tons (in millions)

     1.2      0.5      0.7      140.0

Average Sales Price Per Ton- Low Vol Metallurgical

   $ 105.56    $ 148.60    $ (43.04   (29.0 )% 

The increase in sales volumes of low volatile metallurgical coal sold partially related to the Buchanan Mine operating for the entire 2010 period. The Buchanan Mine produced for approximately 2 months in the 2009 period. Low volatile metallurgical coal inventory was 0.1 million tons at March 31, 2010 compared to 0.3 million tons at December 31, 2009.

The company sold high volatile metallurgical coal during the 2010 period from our Pittsburgh No. 8 seam mines into the Asian steel markets as high volatile coking coal.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Produced High Vol Metallurgical Tons (in millions)

     0.8      —        0.8    100.0

Average Sales Price Per Ton-High Vol Metallurgical

   $ 75.48    $ —      $ 75.48    100.0

 

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The high volatile metallurgical coal sales result in a higher average sales price per ton than the historical average sales price in the steam market where this coal was previously sold. The 0.8 million tons includes 50 thousand tons of Emery Mine coal sold as a semi-soft product at $44.41 per ton. Although the average sales price per ton for the semi-soft product is lower than a pure high volatile metallurgical coal ton due to a wide variation in metallurgical coal properties, the result is a higher sales revenue dollar for the company compared to the steam market where this coal was historically sold.

Purchased coal sales consist of revenues from processing third-party coal in our preparation plants for blending purposes to meet customer coal specifications, coal purchased from third parties and sold directly to our customers and revenues from processing third-party coal in our preparation plants. The increase of $9 million in company-purchased coal sales revenue was primarily due to higher volumes of purchased coal tons sold, offset, in part, by lower sales prices.

The increase in produced gas sales revenue in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period was due to higher sales volumes, offset, in part, by lower average sales price per thousand cubic feet sold.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance     Percentage
Change
 

Produced Gas Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     23.9      22.0      1.9      8.6

Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet

   $ 7.26    $ 7.38    $ (0.12   (1.6 )% 

Sales volumes increased as a result of additional wells coming online from our on-going drilling program, offset by approximately 0.6 bcf of production that was deferred due to the loss of power for several days related to a severe winter storm in some of our producing region in the 2010 period. The decrease in average sales price is the result of the general market price decreases in the period-to-period comparison. The general market price decline was offset, in part, by the various gas swap transactions that CNX Gas has entered. These gas swap transactions qualify as financial cash flow hedges that exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. These financial hedges represented approximately 13.0 Bcf of our produced gas sales volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2010 at an average price of $8.76 per Mcf. In the prior year, these financial hedges represented approximately 10.7 Bcf at an average price of $9.85 per Mcf.

Sales of industrial supplies remained consistent at $50 million in the period-to-period comparison.

The $4 million increase in other sales was primarily attributable to higher revenues from barge towing and terminal services. The increase is related to higher thru-put tonnage moved through the terminal service facility in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period.

Royalty interest gas sales represent the revenues related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest owners sold by CNX Gas. The changes in market prices, contractual differences among leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties contributed to the period-to-period change.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     2.5      2.2      0.3    13.6

Average Sales Price per thousand cubic feet

   $ 5.82    $ 5.65    $ 0.17    3.0

Purchased gas sales volumes represent volumes of gas we sold at market prices that were purchased from third-party producers.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Purchased Gas Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     0.5      0.3      0.2    66.7

Average Sales Price Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 5.76    $ 5.75    $ 0.01    0.2

 

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Freight revenue is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to which CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation services. Freight revenue is the amount billed to customers for transportation costs incurred. Freight revenue has remained consistent at $31 million in the period-to-period comparison.

Other income consists of interest income, gain or loss on the disposition of assets, equity in earnings of affiliates, service income, royalty income, derivative gains and losses, rental income and miscellaneous income.

 

     2010
Period
    2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Interest income

   $ 6      $ —      $ 6      100.0

Equity in earnings of affiliates

     4        3      1      33.3

Contract towing

     1        2      (1   (50.0 )% 

Reversal/recognition of unrealized losses on options

     —          2      (2   (100.0 )% 

(Loss)/gain on Sale of Assets

     (1     2      (3   (150.0 )% 

Other miscellaneous

     12        15      (3   (20.0 )% 
                         

Total other income

   $ 22      $ 24    $ (2   (8.3 )% 
                         

Interest income increased $6 million in the 2010 period attributable to the successful resolution of an outstanding tax issue with the Canadian Revenue Authority for the years 1997 through 2003 in which CONSOL Energy will be entitled to interest on the tax refund.

Equity in earnings of affiliates increased $1 million in the 2010 period due to various transactions entered into by our equity affiliates throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Contract towing revenue has decreased approximately $1 million due to lower volumes of material being shipped via river transportation in the period-to-period comparison.

Mark-to-market adjustments for free standing coal sales options resulted in approximately a $2 million reversal in the 2009 period of previously recognized unrealized losses. These options expired during the year ended December 31, 2009.

(Loss)/gain on sale of assets decreased $3 million in the period-to-period comparison. The (loss)/gain on sale of assets changed due to various miscellaneous transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Other miscellaneous income decreased $3 million in the period-to-period comparison due to various miscellaneous transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

 

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Costs

Cost of goods sold and other charges increased due to the following:

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
   Percentage
Change
 

Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges

           

Produced Coal

   $ 517    $ 482    $ 35    7.3

Purchased Coal

     24      15      9    60.0

Produced Gas

     53      47      6    12.8

Industrial Supplies

     49      42      7    16.7

Closed and Idle Mines

     52      36      16    44.4

Other

     72      44      28    63.6
                       

Total Cost of Goods Sold and Other

           

Charges Outside

     767      666      101    15.2

Acquisition and financing fees

     47      —        47    100.0

Gas Royalty Interest

     12      11      1    9.1

Purchased Gas

     2      2      —      —     
                       

Total Cost of Goods Sold

   $ 828    $ 679    $ 149    21.9
                       

Increased cost of goods sold and other charges for company-produced coal was due mainly to a higher average unit cost per ton sold, offset, in part, by lower sales volumes.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance     Percentage
Change
 

Produced Tons Sold (in millions)

     15.1      15.3      (0.2   (1.3 )% 

Average Cost of Goods Sold and Other Charges Per Ton

   $ 34.34    $ 31.61    $ 2.73      8.6

Average cost of goods sold and other charges increased in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to an increase in average unit costs related to the following items:

 

   

Labor costs have increased $0.94 per ton sold due to the effects of wage increases at the union mines from the current labor contracts. These contracts call for specified hourly wage increases in each year of the contract. Labor costs also increased due to the effects of wage increases at the non-union mines. Employee counts have also increased approximately 8% at our active mining operations in order to meet our staffing needs.

 

   

Expenses related to employee long-term liabilities such as other post employment benefits and salaried pension have increased $0.54 per ton sold primarily due to changes in the weighted average discount rates. The weighted average discount rate is between 5.55% and 5.87% for these benefits for the 2010 period compared to 5.90% to 6.28% for the 2009 period.

 

   

Subsidence costs have increased $0.52 per ton sold related to additional structures impacted by longwall mining in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period. These costs vary from period-to-period depending on density and value of structures being impacted by the operation of the mine.

 

   

Power costs have increased $0.27 per ton sold attributable to various rate increases that occurred throughout our operations.

 

   

Health and retirement costs related to the active hourly work force have increased $0.25 per ton sold. The increase is attributable to an increase in the contribution to the multiemployer 1974 pension trust that is required under the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement. The contribution rate increased from $4.25 per hour worked by members of the United Mine Workers Union of America (UMWA) in

 

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Table of Contents
 

the 2009 period to $5.00 per hour in the 2010 period. Contributions to this multiemployer plan are expensed as incurred. These costs have also increased in the period-to-period comparison due to higher medical costs for the active hourly work force.

 

   

Other costs have increased an aggregate of, $1.05 per ton sold due to various transactions that have occurred throughout both periods, none of which are individually material.

These increases in costs per ton sold were offset, in part, by a reduction of $0.84 per ton sold attributable to contract mining fees. Contract mining fees have decreased due to a reduction in tons produced at contractor locations in the period-to-period comparison.

Purchased coal cost of goods sold consists of costs from processing purchased coal in our preparation plants for blending purposes to meet customer coal specifications, coal purchased and sold directly to the customer and costs for processing third party coal in our preparation plants. The increase of $9 million in purchased coal cost of goods sold and other charges in the 2010 period was primarily due to higher volumes purchased.

Gas cost of goods sold and other charges increased due primarily to a 8.6% increase in volumes of produced gas sold and a 5.2% increase in unit costs.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Produced Gas Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     23.9      22.0      1.9    8.6

Average Cost Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 2.24    $ 2.13    $ 0.11    5.2

Average cost per thousand cubic feet increased in the 2010 period as a result of several factors:

 

   

Power and fuel costs increased $0.08 per thousand cubic feet due to higher rates being charged by the power producer, additional compressors and an additional processing plant being placed in service during the 2010 period.

 

   

Firm transportation costs have increased $0.07 per thousand cubic feet due to acquiring additional capacity after the 2009 period.

 

   

Idle rig costs have increased $0.04 per thousand cubic feet due to one additional month of idle rig expense in the 2010 period due to idle charges not beginning until February of 2009. Idle rig expenses have also increased due to higher monthly fees in 2010 compared to 2009 when the rig was initially idled.

 

   

Repairs and maintenance costs increased approximately $0.02 per thousand cubic feet primarily related to additional road maintenance required by the severe winter storm in some of our producing regions.

These increases in costs were offset, in part, by the following items:

 

   

Water disposal costs decreased $0.04 per thousand cubic feet due to recycling salt water produced from our wells. Previously, fees were incurred to dispose of the salt water produced from our wells.

 

   

Chemical, fuels and lubricants costs have decreased approximately $0.02 per thousand cubic feet due to lower volume of products being consumed.

 

   

Other costs decreased $0.04 per thousand cubic feet for various items that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Industrial supplies cost of goods sold increased $7 million primarily due to changes in the last-in-first-out inventory reserve attributable to changes in inventory value.

Closed and idle mine cost of goods sold increased approximately $16 million in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period. As a result of market conditions, permitting issues, new regulatory requirements and resulting

 

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changes in mining plans, the reclamation liability associated with the Fola mining operations in West Virginia is expected to increase. Our initial belief is that as a result of the changes in mine plans and because mining in some areas is anticipated to be curtailed earlier than originally anticipated, the quantity of material required to reclaim the operation in its present state will be increased. As of this time, no detailed reclamation plan has been developed and the definitive costs associated with the increased reclamation are not available, however, our initial estimates indicate the reclamation liability could equal or exceed $25 million. As a result, $25 million of expense was recognized in the 2010 period. Detailed reclamation plans and mining plans are being developed to determine the impacts of these revised plans on the associated reclamation liability. This increase was offset, in part, by approximately $9 million for changes in the operational status of various other mines, between idled and operating, throughout both periods which resulted in lower idled mine costs in the 2010 period. Shoemaker Mine was idled throughout the 2009 period while the track haulage system was converted to a belt haulage system. This mine has been in production throughout most of the 2010 period. Mine 84 and Jones Fork Complex operated throughout most of the 2009 period, but these locations were idled throughout the 2010 period.

Other cost of goods sold increased due to the following items:

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Litigation settlements

   $ 22    $ —      $ 22      100.0

Stock-based compensation

     10      6      4      66.7

Dry hole and other costs

     2      1      1      100.0

Incentive compensation

     14      12      2      16.7

Terminal/River operations

     16      15      1      6.7

Severance pay

     —        3      (3   (100.0 )% 

Miscellaneous other

     8      7      1      14.3
                        

Other cost of goods sold and other charges

   $ 72    $ 44    $ 28      63.6
                        

Litigation settlements represent the loss on the sale of Jones Fork which was sold in relation to an option granted as settlement of litigation. Also, legal settlements include additional expense related to contingencies recognized for various litigation issues as discussed in “Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies” in Item 1, Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

Stock-based compensation expense increased $4 million in the period-to-period comparison primarily due to the conversion of the CNX Gas long-term incentive compensation plan to CONSOL Energy restricted stock units in the 2009 period. The conversion resulted in a reduction of approximately $4 million of expense in the 2009 period.

Dry hole and other costs of approximately $2 million in the 2010 period are primarily related to an exploration well which is no longer economical to pursue. The previously capitalized costs were expensed. Dry hole and other costs in the 2009 period represent various capitalized costs such as permitting and miscellaneous costs for well sites that were no longer economic to pursue. The previously capitalized costs were expensed.

The incentive compensation program is designed to increase compensation to eligible employees when CONSOL Energy reaches predetermined production, safety and cost targets and the employees reach predetermined performance targets. Incentive compensation expense increased $2 million due to exceeding the predetermined targets in the 2010 period.

Terminal/River operation charges have increased approximately $1 million in the period-to-period comparison due to higher tonnage moved.

Severance pay of $3 million relates to the administrative staff reductions in force which occurred in the 2009 period due to the economic environment in which we operated.

 

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Table of Contents

Miscellaneous other cost of goods sold and other charges increased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Acquisition and financing fees of $47 million are related to the Dominion Acquisition and the corresponding financing arrangements. The fees include $35 million of bank fees for a bridge loan that was required under the purchase and sale agreement with Dominion, $8 million of legal fees for the acquisition and the financing agreements, $2 million for bank fees related to amending the credit facilities to allow the acquisition, and $2 million for various other fees. The equity offering was completed on March 31, 2010 and resulted in approximately $1.8 billion of proceeds (44.3 million shares were issued). The debt offering was completed on April 1, 2010 and resulted in the issuance of approximately $3 billion of bonds and generated net proceeds of $2.7 billion. The Dominion Acquisition for $3.475 billion closed on April 30, 2010.

Royalty interest gas costs represent the costs related to the portion of production belonging to royalty interest owners sold by CNX Gas. The changes in market prices, contractual differences among leases, and the mix of average and index prices used in calculating royalties contributed to the period-to-period change.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Gas Royalty Interest Sales Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     2.5      2.2      0.3    13.6

Average Cost Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 4.95    $ 4.73    $ 0.22    4.7

Purchased gas volumes represent volumes of gas purchased from third-party producers that we sell. Purchased gas volumes also reflect the impact of pipeline imbalances. The higher average cost per thousand cubic feet is due to overall price changes and contractual differences among customers in the period-to-period comparison.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Variance    Percentage
Change
 

Purchased Gas Volumes (in billion cubic feet)

     0.4      0.3      0.1    33.3

Average Cost Per thousand cubic feet

   $ 6.04    $ 4.42    $ 1.62    36.7

Freight expense is based on weight of coal shipped, negotiated freight rates and method of transportation (i.e., rail, barge, truck, etc.) used for the customers to whom CONSOL Energy contractually provides transportation. Freight expense is billed to customers and the revenue from such billing equals the transportation expense. Freight expense remained consistent at $31 million in the period-to-period comparison.

Selling, general and administrative costs have decreased $1 million in the period-to-period comparison.

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Advertising and promotion

   $ —      $ 2    $ (2   (100.0 )% 

Professional, consulting and other purchased services

     5      7      (2   (28.6 )% 

Wages, salaries and related benefits

     15      15      —        —     

Rentals

     2      2      —        —     

Association/charitibale contributions

     3      1      2      200.0

Other

     5      4      1      25.0
                        

Total Selling, General and Administrative

   $ 30    $ 31    $ (1   (3.2 )% 
                        

Advertising and promotion expenses decreased $2 million due to the timing of various advertising campaigns.

Costs of professional, consulting and other purchased services were lower in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period due to the completion of various projects in prior periods, none of which were individually material.

 

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Wages and salaries have remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.

Rentals have remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.

Association assessments and charitable contributions have increased $2 million in the period-to-period comparison due to the timing of various items throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Other selling, general and administrative costs increased $1 million due to various transactions that occurred throughout both periods, none of which were individually material.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased due to the following items:

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
   Percentage
Change
 

Coal

   $ 81    $ 77    $ 4    5.2

Gas:

           

Production

     26      18      8    44.4

Gathering

     6      5      1    20.0
                       

Total Gas

     32      23      9    39.1

Other

     6      6      —      —     
                       

Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   $ 119    $ 106    $ 13    12.3
                       

The increase in coal depreciation, depletion and amortization was primarily attributable to assets placed in service after the 2009 period.

The increase in gas production depreciation, depletion and amortization was primarily due to an increase in the units of production rates combined with higher production volumes. Rates increased due to the higher proportion of capital assets placed in service versus the proportion of proved developed reserve additions. These rates are generally calculated using the net book value of assets at the end of the previous year divided by either proved or proved developed reserves.

Gathering depreciation, depletion and amortization is recorded using the straight-line method and increased $1 million due to additional assets being placed in service after the 2009 period.

Other depreciation remained consistent at $6 million in the period-to-period comparison.

Interest expense decreased in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period due to the following items:

 

     2010
Period
    2009
Period
    Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Revolver

   $ 1      $ 2      $ (1   (50.0 )% 

Capitalized lease

     1        1        —        —     

Long-term secured notes

     7        7        —        —     

Other

     (1     (1     —        —     
                          

Total Interest Expense

   $ 8      $ 9      $ (1   (11.1 )% 
                          

Revolver interest expense is related to the amounts drawn on the credit facility. The decrease is related to lower interest rates on the facility in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period, offset, in part, by higher average amounts drawn in 2010.

 

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Interest expense related to capitalized leases, long-term secured notes and other items remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison. Interest expense will increase in future periods as a result of the $2,750,000 of additional indebtedness incurred at higher interest rates than our existing indebtedness in connection with the Dominion Acquisition.

Taxes other than income increased primarily due to the following items:

 

     2010
Period
   2009
Period
   Dollar
Variance
    Percentage
Change
 

Production taxes:

          

Coal

   $ 47    $ 49    $ (2   (4.1 )% 

Gas

     3      1      2      200.0
                        

Total Production Taxes

     50      50      —        —     

Other taxes:

          

Coal

     27      23      4      17.4

Gas

     2      2      —        —     

Other

     3      3      —        —     
                        

Total Other Taxes

     32      28      4      14.3
                        

Total Taxes Other Than Income

   $ 82    $ 78    $ 4      5.1
                        

Decreased coal production taxes are primarily due to lower severance taxes, reclamation fee taxes and black lung excise taxes attributable to the decrease in overall average sales price for produced coal. The reduction is also related to lower coal production volumes in the period-to-period comparison.

Gas production taxes increased $2 million due to higher gas sales volumes, offset, in part by lower average sales prices for gas. Also, severance taxes were reduced in the 2009 period due to an adjustment related to a revised estimate of pending litigation.

Other coal taxes have increased due to additional payroll taxes related to higher wages in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period and higher unemployment tax rates in certain areas in which we do business.

Other gas taxes and other taxes remained consistent in the period-to-period comparison.

Income Taxes

 

     2010
Period
    2009
Period
    Variance     Percentage
Change
 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

   $ 142      $ 285      $ (143   $ (50.2 )% 

Tax Expense

   $ 34      $ 80      $ (46   $ (57.5 )% 

Effective Income Tax Rate

     24.1     28.0     (3.9 )%   

CONSOL Energy’s effective income tax rate is sensitive to changes to the relationship between pre-tax earnings and percentage depletion. The proportion of coal pre-tax earnings and gas pre-tax earnings also impacts the benefit of percentage depletion on the effective tax rate. See “Note 5—Income Taxes” in Item 1, Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest represents 16.7% of CNX Gas net income which CONSOL Energy does not own.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

CONSOL Energy generally has satisfied our working capital requirements and funded our capital expenditures and debt service obligations with cash generated from operations and proceeds from borrowings.

 

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We utilize a $1 billion senior secured credit facility which expires in June 2012. The facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries and collateral is shared equally and ratably with the holders of CONSOL Energy Inc. 7.875% bonds due March 2012. Fees and interest rate spreads are based on a ratio of financial covenant debt to twelve-month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA), measured quarterly. The facility includes a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 4.50 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The interest coverage ratio was 22.68 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. The facility also includes a maximum leverage ratio covenant of not more than 3.25 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The leverage ratio was less than zero to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. Affirmative and negative covenants in the facility limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CONSOL Energy common stock, pay dividends and merge with another company. At March 31, 2010, the facility had approximately $517 million drawn and $262 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $221 million of unused capacity. From time to time, CONSOL Energy is required to post financial assurances to satisfy contractual and other requirements generated in the normal course of business. Some of these assurances are posted to comply with federal, state or other government agencies statutes and regulations. We sometimes use letters of credit to satisfy these requirements and these letters of credit reduce our borrowing facility capacity.

CONSOL Energy amended the facility in March 2010 to allow for the Dominion Acquisition. The amendment also allowed CONSOL Energy to issue $1.5 billion of 8% senior unsecured notes due in 2017 and $1.25 billion of 8.25% senior unsecured notes due in 2020 to finance a portion of the Dominion Acquisition. Certain amended covenants will be effective upon the closing of the Dominion Acquisition, including the maximum leverage ratio covenant will be no more 4.75 to 1.00, measured quarterly, and the minimum interest coverage ratio will be no less than 2.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The amended facility also includes a senior secured leverage ratio covenant of no more than 2.50 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The payment of dividends on CONSOL Energy’s common stock will be permitted as long as the leverage ratio does not exceed 4.50 to 1.00 and availability is more than $100 million.

CONSOL Energy is currently in the process of refinancing the existing credit facility to an initial aggregate outstanding principal amount of up to $1.5 billion, including borrowings and letters of credit, for a term of four years. CONSOL Energy can request an additional $250 million increase in the aggregate outstanding principal amount. The facility is being expanded to meet the development needs of the company associated with the Dominion Acquisition. The obligations under the credit agreement will continue to be secured by substantially all of the assets of CONSOL Energy and certain of its subsidiaries. Fees and interest rate spreads will be based on a ratio of financial covenant debt to twelve-month trailing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA), measured quarterly. The facility is expected to include a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 2.00 to 1.00 through 2010, and no less than 2.50 to 1.00 thereafter, measured quarterly. The facility is expected to include a maximum leverage ratio of no more than 4.75 to 1.00 through March 2013, and no more than 4.50 to 1.00 thereafter, measured quarterly. The facility is expected to also include a senior secured leverage ratio of no more than 2.50 to 1.00 through 2010, and no more than 2.00 to 1.00 thereafter, measured quarterly. Covenants in the facility would limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends and merge with another company. The amended facility is expected to be completed in the quarter ended June 30, 2010. There is no assurance that we will enter into this amended facility.

CONSOL Energy completed an equity offering on March 31, 2010 of 44.3 million shares of common stock, which generated net proceeds of approximately $1.8 billion. On April 1, 2010, CONSOL Energy issued $1.5 billion of 8% senior unsecured notes due in 2017 and $1.25 billion of 8.25% senior unsecured notes due in 2020. Covenants in the Notes Indenture limit CONSOL Energy’s ability to incur debt, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends and merge with another company. The equity and bond proceeds were used to complete the Dominion Acquisition for total consideration of approximately $3.475 billion. The acquisition closed on April 30, 2010.

On March 22, 2010, Moody’s Investor Service downgraded CONSOL Energy’s corporate family rating to Ba3 from Ba2, and upgraded the rating on the 7.875% Notes due March 2012 to Baa3 from Ba1. Obligations

 

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which are rated “Ba” are considered to have speculative elements, and are subject to substantial credit risk. Moody’s numeric modifiers indicate rank within each generic rating classification; 1 being the highest and 3 being the lowest. Moody’s also assigned a B1 rating to CONSOL Energy’s $2.75 billion of senior unsecured notes issued to finance a portion of the Dominion Acquisition. Obligations which are rate “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. The rating outlook is negative.

On March 24, 2010, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered CONSOL Energy’s corporate credit rating to BB from BB+, and lowered the rating on the 7.875% Notes due March 2012 to BBB- from BBB. Obligations with a “BB” rating are considered to face major ongoing uncertainties to adverse business, financial and economic conditions. Obligations with “BBB” ratings are deemed to have adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, but are more subject to adverse economic conditions. Moody’s rating may be modified using a (+) or (-) sign to show relative standing within each rating category. Standard & Poor’s also assigned a BB rating to CONSOL Energy’s $2.75 billion of senior unsecured notes issued to finance a portion of the Dominion Acquisition. The rating outlook is negative.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and CONSOL Energy have executed a Consent Order and Agreement (the Agreement) that addresses financial assurance required by the State for CONSOL Energy’s Pennsylvania mine water treatment facilities for mines closed prior to August 1977. The Agreement requires the company to post approximately $34 million of financial assurance over a 10-year time frame. CONSOL Energy obtained surety bonds to satisfy the initial obligation related to the Agreement.

CONSOL Energy and certain of our U.S. subsidiaries also participate in a receivables securitization facility for the sale on a continuous basis of eligible trade accounts receivable that will provide, on a revolving basis, up to $165 million of short-term funding or letters of credit. This facility was expanded to $200 million from $165 million on April 23, 2010. CNX Funding Corporation, a wholly owned, special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, buys and sells eligible trade receivables generated by certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy. Under the receivables facility, CONSOL Energy and certain subsidiaries, irrevocably and without recourse, sell all of their eligible trade accounts receivable to CNX Funding Corporation. CNX Funding Corporation then sells, on a revolving basis, an undivided percentage interest in the pool of eligible trade accounts receivable to financial institutions and their affiliates, while maintaining a subordinated interest in a portion of the trade receivables. CONSOL Energy has agreed to continue servicing the sold receivables for the financial institutions for a fee based upon market rates for similar services. The cost of funds is consistent with commercial paper rates plus a charge for administrative services paid to the financial institutions. At March 31, 2010, eligible accounts receivable totaled approximately $165 million. There was $115 million subordinated retained interest at March 31, 2010. Accounts receivable totaling $50 million were reflected as Accounts Receivable—Securitized in Current Assets and Borrowings Under Securitization Facility in Current Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2010. There were no letters of credit outstanding against the facility at March 31, 2010.

CNX Gas, an 83.3% consolidated subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, utilizes a revolving credit facility providing an initial aggregate outstanding principal amount of up to $200 million, including borrowings and letters of credit, which expires in October 2010. CNX Gas can request an additional $100 million increase in the aggregate outstanding principal amount. The agreement contains a negative pledge provision, pursuant to which CNX Gas assets cannot be used to secure other obligations. Fees and interest rate spreads are based on the percentage of facility utilization, measured quarterly. Covenants in the facility limit CNX Gas’ ability to dispose of assets, make investments, purchase or redeem CNX Gas stock, pay dividends and merge with another company. This facility includes a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The interest coverage ratio was 67.05 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. The facility also includes a maximum leverage ratio of no more than 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The leverage ratio covenant was 0.35 to 1.00 at March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, the facility had $49.2 million of borrowings outstanding and $14.9 million of letters of credit outstanding, leaving $135.9 million of unused capacity.

As a result of CNX Gas’ status as a majority-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy and having entered into a credit agreement with third-party commercial lenders, CNX Gas and its subsidiaries are guarantors of

 

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CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% notes due March 1, 2012 in the principal amount of $250 million. The Notes Indenture requires all subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy that incur third-party debt to also guarantee the 7.875% notes. In addition, if CNX Gas were to grant certain liens to a lender as part of a future borrowing, the indenture governing the 7.875% notes requires CNX Gas to ratably secure the notes.

CNX Gas is currently in the process of refinancing the existing credit facility to an initial aggregate outstanding principal amount of up to $500 million, including borrowings and letters of credit, for a term of four years. CNX Gas can request an additional $200 million increase in the aggregate outstanding principal amount. The facility is being expanded to meet the development needs of the company. The obligations under the credit agreement will be secured by a lien on CNX Gas’ assets, which would also require CONSOL Energy’s 7.875% notes due March 1, 2012 to be ratably secured. Fees and interest rate spreads would be based on the percentage of facility utilization, measured quarterly. The facility is expected to include a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of no less than 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly. The facility is expected to also include a maximum leverage ratio covenant of no more than 3.50 to 1.00, measured quarterly. Covenants in the facility would limit our ability to dispose of assets, make investments, pay dividends and merge with another company. The amended facility is expected to be completed in the quarter ended June 30, 2010. There is no assurance that CNX Gas will enter into this amended facility.

On April 28, 2010, CONSOL Energy commenced a tender offer to acquire all of the shares of CNX Gas common stock that it does not currently own. If CNX Gas becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, CNX Gas must be designated a restricted subsidiary guarantor under the 2017 and 2020 CONSOL Note Indenture. CNX Gas will then have to comply with the covenants in the Notes Indenture, which limit the company’s ability to incur debt, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends and merge with another company.

As described above, on April 28, 2010, CONSOL Energy commenced a tender offer to acquire the 25.2 million shares of CNX Gas common stock that it does not currently own for $38.25 per share. If the tender offer is successful, the aggregate purchase price of the shares will be approximately $965 million.

Uncertainty in the financial markets brings additional potential risks to CONSOL Energy. The risks include declines in our stock price, less availability and higher costs of additional credit, potential counterparty defaults, and further commercial bank failures. Financial market disruptions may impact our collection of trade receivables. CONSOL Energy constantly monitors the creditworthiness of our customers. We believe that our current group of customers are sound and represent no abnormal business risk.

CONSOL Energy believes that cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures (other than major acquisitions), scheduled debt payments, anticipated dividend payments and to provide required letters of credit. Nevertheless, the ability of CONSOL Energy to satisfy our working capital requirements, debt service obligations, to fund planned capital expenditures or pay dividends will depend upon future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the coal and gas industries and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond CONSOL Energy’s control.

In order to manage the market risk exposure of volatile natural gas prices in the future, CONSOL Energy enters into various physical gas supply transactions with both gas marketers and end users for terms varying in length. CONSOL Energy has also entered into various gas swap transactions that qualify as financial cash flow hedge, which exist parallel to the underlying physical transactions. The fair value of these contracts was an asset of $169 million at March 31, 2010. The ineffective portion of these contracts was insignificant to earnings in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Hedge counterparties consists of commercial banks who participate in the revolving credit facility. No issues related to our hedge agreements have been encountered to date.

CONSOL Energy frequently evaluates potential acquisitions. CONSOL Energy has funded acquisitions primarily with cash generated from operations and a variety of other sources, depending on the size of the transaction, including debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital resources, including debt financing, will be available to CONSOL Energy on terms which CONSOL Energy finds acceptable, or at all.

 

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Cash Flows (in millions)

 

     2010
Period
    2009
Period
    Change  

Cash flows from operating activities

   $ 174      $ 250      $ (76 )

Cash used in investing activities

   $ (266   $ (255   $ (11 )

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ 1,905      $ (62 )   $ 1,967   

Cash flows from operating activities changed primarily due to the following items:

 

   

Operating cash flow decreased in 2010 due to lower net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders in the period-to-period comparison, as well as various other changes in operating assets, operating liabilities, other assets and other liabilities which occurred throughout both years.

Net cash used in investing activities changed primarily due to the following items:

 

   

Total capital expenditures decreased $35 million to $265 million in 2010 compared to $300 million in 2009. Capital expenditures for the gas segment decreased $69 million due to the slow-down in the drilling program as a result of severe weather and continued low gas prices. Capital expenditures for coal and other activities increased $34 million due to various projects including the purchase of various coal lands, additional equipment at various mining locations, continued work on face extensions at various locations, and the Buchanan water handling system.

 

   

Proceeds from the sale of assets were $44 million in 2009 related to the sale leaseback of various mining equipment. Proceeds from the sale of assets in the 2010 were not significant.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities changed primarily due to the following items:

 

   

Proceeds of $1.8 billion were received in connection with the issuance of 44.3 million shares of common stock which was completed on March 31, 2010.

 

   

In 2010, CONSOL Energy received approximately $102 million of proceeds from the revolving credit facility. In 2009, CONSOL Energy repaid borrowings of approximately $45 million from the revolving credit facility. In 2010, CONSOL Energy’s 83.3% owned subsidiary, CNX Gas, repaid borrowings of approximately $9 million from the revolving credit facility. In 2009, CNX Gas received proceeds of approximately $8 million from its revolving credit facility.

The following is a summary of our significant contractual obligations at March 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Payments due by Year
   Less Than
1 Year
   1-3
Years
   3-5
Years
   More Than
5 Years
   Total

Short-term Notes Payable

   $ 566,150    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 566,150

Borrowings Under Securitization Facility

     50,000      —        —        —        50,000

Purchase Order Firm Commitments

     30,485      24      —        —        30,509

Gas Firm Transportation

     29,005      74,863      62,240      333,337      499,445

Long-term Debt

     39,070      337,129      5,355      20,162      401,716

Interest on Long-term Debt

     27,133      25,211      1,605      24,245      78,194

Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations

     6,620      11,013      8,930      38,397      64,960

Interest on Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations

     4,515      7,530      6,325      10,147      28,517

Operating Lease Obligations

     80,441      128,777      93,693      166,924      469,835

Other Long-term Liabilities (a)

     376,839      574,852      581,617      2,475,124      4,008,432
                                  

Total Contractual Obligations (b)

   $ 1,210,258    $ 1,159,399    $ 759,765    $ 3,068,336    $ 6,197,758
                                  

 

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(a) Long-term liabilities include other post-employment benefits, work-related injuries and illnesses, mine reclamation and closure and other long-term liability costs. Estimated salaried retirement contributions required to meet minimum funding standards under ERISA are excluded from the pay-out table due to the uncertainty regarding amounts to be contributed. Estimated 2010 contributions are expected to approximate $64 million.
(b) The significant obligation table does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.

Debt

At March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy had total long-term debt of $466 million outstanding, including the current portion of long-term debt of $46 million. This long-term debt consisted of:

 

   

An aggregate principal amount of $250 million of 7.875% notes due in March 2012. Interest on the notes is payable March 1 and September 1 of each year. Payment of the principal and premium, if any, and interest on the notes are guaranteed by most of CONSOL Energy’s subsidiaries. The notes are senior secured obligations and rank equally with all other secured indebtedness of the guarantors;

 

   

An aggregate principal amount of $31 million and $72 million of industrial revenue bonds which were issued to finance the Baltimore port facility and bear interest at 6.50% per annum and mature in December 2010 and October 2011;

 

   

$35 million in advance royalty commitments with an average interest rate of 7.4% per annum;

 

   

An aggregate principal amount of $13 million on a variable rate note that bears interest at 6.10% at March 31, 2010. This note was incurred by a variable interest entity that is fully consolidated in which CONSOL Energy holds no ownership interest;

 

   

An aggregate principal amount of $65 million of capital leases with a weighted average interest rate of 6.67% per annum;

At March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy also had $517 million of aggregate principal amounts of outstanding borrowings and approximately $262 million of letters of credit outstanding under the $1 billion senior secured revolving credit facility.

At March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy had $50 million of borrowings under the securitization facility.

At March 31, 2010, CNX Gas, an 83.3% owned subsidiary, had $49 million of aggregate principal amounts of outstanding borrowings and approximately $15 million of letters of credit outstanding under its $200 million revolving credit facility.

Total Equity and Dividends

CONSOL Energy had total equity of $3,987 million at March 31, 2010 and $2,024 million at December 31, 2009. Total equity increased primarily due to the sale of approximately 44.3 million shares of common stock which resulted in net proceeds of approximately $1.8 billion. Total equity also increased due to net income attributable to CONSOL Energy shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2010, changes in cash flow hedges and amortization of stock-based compensation. These increases were offset, in part, by the declaration of dividends and the issuance of treasury stock. See Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

Dividend information for the current year to date is as follows:

 

Declaration Date

   Amount Per Share   

Record Date

  

Payment Date

April 30, 2010

   $ 0.10    May 10, 2010    May 20, 2010

January 29, 2010

   $ 0.10    February 9, 2010    February 19, 2010

 

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The declaration and payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy is subject to the discretion of CONSOL Energy’s Board of Directors, and no assurance can be given that CONSOL Energy will pay dividends in the future. CONSOL Energy’s Board of Directors determines whether dividends will be paid quarterly. The determination to pay dividends will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, CONSOL Energy’s financial results, contractual and legal restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by CONSOL Energy, planned investments by CONSOL Energy and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Our credit facility limits our ability to pay dividends when our leverage ratio covenant exceeds 4.50 to 1.00 and our availability is less than or equal to $100 million. The leverage ratio was less than zero to 1.00 and our availability was approximately $221 million at March 31, 2010. These covenants may change under the new credit facility. The credit facility does not permit dividend payments in the event of default. There were no defaults in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

CONSOL Energy does not maintain off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on CONSOL Energy’s condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources which are not disclosed in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. CONSOL Energy participates in various multi-employer benefit plans such as the United Mine Workers’ of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan, the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund and the UMWA 1993 Benefit Plan which generally accepted accounting principles recognize on a pay as you go basis. These benefit arrangements may result in additional liabilities that are not recognized on the balance sheet at March 31, 2010. The various multi-employer benefit plans are discussed in Note 17-Other Employee Benefit Plans of the 2009 Form 10-K. CONSOL Energy also uses a combination of surety bonds, corporate guarantees and letters of credit to secure our financial obligations for employee-related, environmental, deliveries and various other items which are not reflected on the balance sheet at March 31, 2010. Management believes these items will expire without being funded. See Note 10-Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for additional details of the various financial guarantees that have been issued by CONSOL Energy.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an update to the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification which is intended to provide additional application guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements. This update also provides amendments that require new disclosures regarding transfers between levels of fair value measurements. This guidance did not have an impact on CONSOL Energy.

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities, which is effective for CONSOL beginning July 1, 2010. The new guidance requires revised evaluations of whether entities represent variable interest entities, ongoing assessments of control over such entities, and additional disclosures for variable interests. We believe adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on CONSOL’s financial statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

We are including the following cautionary statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf, of us. With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Exchange Act) that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. The forward-looking statements may include projections and

 

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estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, revenues, income and capital spending. When we use the words “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” or their negatives, or other similar expressions, the statements which include those words are usually forward-looking statements. When we describe strategy that involves risks or uncertainties, we are making forward- looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by securities law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:

 

   

the continued weakness in global economic conditions, in any industry in which our customers operate, or sustained uncertainty in financial markets cause conditions we cannot predict;

 

   

an extended decline in prices we receive for our coal and gas affecting our operating results and cash flows;

 

   

reliance on customers honoring existing contracts, extending existing contracts or entering into new long-term contracts for coal;

 

   

reliance on major customers;

 

   

our inability to collect payments from customers if their creditworthiness declines;

 

   

the disruption of rail, barge and other systems that deliver our coal;

 

   

a loss of our competitive position because of the competitive nature of the coal and gas industry, or a loss of our competitive position because of overcapacity in these industries impairing our profitability;

 

   

our inability to hire qualified people to meet replacement or expansion needs;

 

   

our inability to maintain satisfactory labor relations;

 

   

coal users switching to other fuels in order to comply with various environmental standards related to coal combustion;

 

   

the inability to produce a sufficient amount of coal to fulfill our customers’ requirements which could result in our customers initiating claims against us;

 

   

foreign currency fluctuations could adversely affect the competitiveness of our coal abroad;

 

   

the risks inherent in coal mining being subject to unexpected disruptions, including geological conditions, equipment failure, timing of completion of significant construction or repair of equipment, fires, accidents and weather conditions which could impact financial results;

 

   

increases in the price of commodities used in our mining operations could impact our cost of production;

 

   

obtaining governmental permits and approvals for our operations;

 

   

the effects of proposals to regulate greenhouse gas emissions;

 

   

the effects of government regulation;

 

   

the effects of stringent federal and state employee health and safety regulations;

 

   

the effects of mine closing, reclamation and certain other liabilities;

 

   

uncertainties in estimating our economically recoverable coal and gas reserves;

 

   

the outcomes of various legal proceedings, which are more fully described in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

 

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increased exposure to employee related long-term liabilities;

 

   

minimum funding requirements by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the Pension Act) coupled with the significant investment and plan asset losses suffered during the recent economic decline has exposed us to making additional required cash contributions to fund the pension benefit plans which we sponsor and the multi-employer pension benefit plans in which we participate;

 

   

lump sum payments made to retiring salaried employees pursuant to our defined benefit pension plan;

 

   

our ability to comply with laws or regulations requiring that we obtain surety bonds for workers’ compensation and other statutory requirements;

 

   

acquisitions that we recently have made or may make in the future including the accuracy of our assessment of the acquired businesses and their risks, achieving any anticipated synergies, integrating the acquisitions and unanticipated changes that could affect assumptions we may have made, including with respect to the Dominion Acquisition;

 

   

the anti-takeover effects of our rights plan could prevent a change of control;

 

   

risks in exploring for and producing gas;

 

   

new gas development projects and exploration for gas in areas where we have little or no proven gas reserves;

 

   

the disruption of pipeline systems which deliver our gas;

 

   

the availability of field services, equipment and personnel for drilling and producing gas;

 

   

replacing our natural gas reserves which if not replaced will cause our gas reserves and gas production to decline;

 

   

costs associated with perfecting title for gas rights in some of our properties;

 

   

other persons could have ownership rights in our advanced gas extraction techniques which could force us to cease using those techniques or pay royalties;

 

   

our ability to acquire water supplies needed for drilling, or our ability to dispose of water used or removed from strata at a reasonable cost and within applicable environmental rules;

 

   

the coalbeds and other strata from which we produce methane gas frequently contain impurities that may hamper production;

 

   

the enactment of severance tax on natural gas in states in which we operate may impact results of existing operations and impact the economic viability of exploiting new gas drilling and production opportunities;

 

   

location of a vast majority of our gas producing properties in three counties in southwestern Virginia, making us vulnerable to risks associated with having our gas production concentrated in one area;

 

   

our hedging activities may prevent us from benefiting from price increases and may expose us to other risks;

 

   

other factors discussed in our 2009 Form 10-K under “Risk Factors,” as updated by any subsequent Form 10-Qs, which are on file at the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In addition to the risks inherent in operations, CONSOL Energy is exposed to financial, market, political and economic risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding CONSOL Energy’s exposure to the risks of changing natural gas prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

CONSOL Energy is exposed to market price risk in the normal course of selling natural gas production and to a lesser extent in the sale of coal. CONSOL Energy sells coal under both short-term and long-term contracts with fixed price and/or indexed price contracts that reflect market value. CONSOL Energy uses fixed-price contracts, collar-price contracts and derivative commodity instruments that qualify as cash-flow hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification to minimize exposure to market price volatility in the sale of natural gas. Our risk management policy prohibits the use of derivatives for speculative purposes.

CONSOL Energy has established risk management policies and procedures to strengthen the internal control environment of the marketing of commodities produced from its asset base. All of the derivative instruments without other risk assessment procedures are held for purposes other than trading. They are used primarily to mitigate uncertainty and volatility and cover underlying exposures. CONSOL Energy’s market risk strategy incorporates fundamental risk management tools to assess market price risk and establish a framework in which management can maintain a portfolio of transactions within pre-defined risk parameters.

CONSOL Energy believes that the use of derivative instruments, along with the risk assessment procedures and internal controls, mitigates our exposure to material risk. However, the use of derivative instruments without other risk assessment procedures could materially affect CONSOL Energy results of operations depending on interest rates or market prices. Nevertheless, we believe that use of these instruments will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.

For a summary of accounting policies related to derivative instruments, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on 2009 Form 10-K.

Sensitivity analyses of the incremental effects on pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of a hypothetical 10 percent and 25 percent change in natural gas prices for open derivative instruments as of March 31, 2010 are provided in the following table:

 

     Incremental Decrease
in Pre-tax Income
Assuming a
Hypothetical Price,

Exchange Rate or Interest
Rate Change of:
       10%            25%    
   (in millions)

Natural Gas (a)

   $ 34.7    $ 86.8

 

(a) CONSOL Energy remains at risk for possible changes in the market value of these derivative instruments; however, such risk should be offset by price changes in the underlying hedged item. CONSOL Energy entered into derivative instruments to convert the market prices related portions of the 2010 through 2012 anticipated sales of natural gas to fixed prices. The sensitivity analyses reflect an inverse relationship between increases in commodity prices and a benefit to earnings. We continually evaluate the portfolio of derivative commodity instruments and adjust the strategy to anticipated market conditions and risks accordingly.

CONSOL Energy is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. The creditworthiness of counterparties is subject to continuing review. All of the counterparties to CONSOL Energy’s natural gas derivative instruments also participate in CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility. The Company has not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties.

 

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CONSOL Energy’s interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States. At March 31, 2010, CONSOL Energy had $466 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under fixed-rate instruments and $616 million aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under variable-rate instruments. CONSOL Energy’s primary exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to our revolving credit facility, under which there were $517 million of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2010. CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility bore interest at a weighted average rate of 0.87% per annum during the three months ended March 31, 2010. A 100 basis-point increase in the average rate for CONSOL Energy’s revolving credit facility would not have significantly decreased net income for the period. CONSOL Energy’s 83.3% subsidiary, CNX Gas, also had outstanding borrowings under their revolving credit facility which bears interest at a variable rate. CNX Gas’ facility had outstanding borrowings of $49 million at March 31, 2010 and bore interest at a weighted average rate of 1.55% per annum during the year ended March 31, 2010. Due to the level of borrowings against this facility and the low weighted average interest rate in the three months ended March 31, 2010, a 100 basis-point increase in the average rate for CNX Gas’ revolving credit facility would not have significantly decreased net income for the period.

Almost all of CONSOL Energy’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and, as a result, it does not have material exposure to currency exchange-rate risks.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure controls and procedures. CONSOL Energy, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2010 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by CONSOL Energy in such reports is accumulated and communicated to CONSOL Energy’s management, including CONSOL Energy’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The first through twentieth paragraphs of Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index

 

  2.1    Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2010, by and among CONSOL Energy Holdings LLC VI, Dominion Resources, Inc., Dominion Transmission, Inc. and Dominion Energy, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of CONSOL Energy Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2010.
  3.2.1    Amended and Restated Bylaws of CONSOL Energy Inc. (marked to show changes to former bylaws), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2010.
  4.1    Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 among CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 8% Senior Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2010.
  4.2    Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 among CONSOL Energy Inc., certain subsidiaries of CONSOL Energy Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York, as trustee, with respect to the 81/ 4 % Senior Notes due 2020, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2010.
  4.3    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 1, 2010 among CONSOL Energy Inc. and Bank of America Securities LLC, as representative of the several initial purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2010.
10.1    Parent Guarantee, dated as of March 14, 2010, by and among CONSOL and Dominion Resources, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
10.2    Commitment Letter, dated as of March 12, 2010, by and among CONSOL, Banc of America Securities LLC, Banc of America Bridge LLC, PNC Bank, National Association and PNC Capital Markets LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
10.3    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2010, by and among CONSOL, on behalf of the Loan Parties (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), the Required Lenders (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), PNC Bank, National Association and Citicorp North America, Inc., as co-administrative agents and PNC Bank, National Association, as paying agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
10.4    Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2009, by and among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL, as the initial Servicer, the various Sub-Servicers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participant listed on the signature pages thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
10.5    Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2010, by and among CNX Funding Corporation, CONSOL, the various Sub-Servicers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Conduit Purchasers listed on the signature pages thereto, the Purchaser Agents listed on the signature pages thereto, the LC Participant listed on the signature pages thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and as LC Bank, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.

 

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10.6    Third Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2010, by and among CNX Marine Terminals Inc., CONSOL, CONSOL Energy Sales Company, CONSOL of Kentucky Inc., CONSOL Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, Consolidation Coal Company, Eighty-Four Mining Company, FOLA Coal Company, L.L.C., Island Creek Coal Company, Keystone Coal Mining Corporation, Little Eagle Coal Company, L.L.C., McElroy Coal Company, Mon River Towing, Inc., Terry Eagle Coal Company, L.L.C., Twin Rivers Towing Company and CNX Funding Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2010.
10.7    Share Tender Agreement between CONSOL Energy Inc. and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., dated March 21, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 22, 2010.
10.8    Long-Term Incentive Program (2010 - 2012).
10.9    Change in Control Severance Agreement, by and between CONSOL Energy Inc. and Robert Pusateri, dated as of February 23, 2010.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101    Interactive Data File (Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010 furnished in XBRL)

In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Exhibit 101 is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

    CONSOL ENERGY INC.
Dated: May 4, 2010      
    By:   

/s/    J. BRETT HARVEY        

      J. Brett Harvey
     

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

    By:   

/s/    WILLIAM J. LYONS        

      William J. Lyons
     

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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