UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
[ X
] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE
ACT
OF
1934
For
the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2001
OR
[
] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE
ACT
OF
1934
For
the transition period from ____ to ____
ARCH COAL, INC.
CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (314) 994-2700
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 ___
At August 1, 2001, there were 52,700,782 shares of registrant's common stock outstanding.INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE Item 1. Financial Statements Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000................................................................................1 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 and the Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 and 2000.....................................................................2 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 and 2000..........................................................3 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................4 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................................8 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..............................21 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings...........................................................................22 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders.......................................22 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................................................22
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS) June 30, December 31, 2001 2000 -------------------- ---------------------- (Unaudited) Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,164 $ 6,028 Trade accounts receivable 143,049 141,727 Other receivables 36,256 38,540 Inventories 51,631 47,930 Prepaid royalties 3,132 2,262 Deferred income taxes 27,440 27,440 Other 11,347 13,963 -------------------- ---------------------- Total current assets 275,019 277,890 -------------------- ---------------------- Property, plant and equipment, net 1,420,011 1,430,053 -------------------- ---------------------- Other assets Prepaid royalties 33,440 17,500 Coal supply agreements 93,723 108,884 Deferred income taxes 195,119 179,343 Investment in Canyon Fuel 171,761 188,700 Other 29,507 30,244 -------------------- ---------------------- Total other assets 523,550 524,671 -------------------- ---------------------- Total assets $2,218,580 $2,232,614 ==================== ====================== Liabilities and stockholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 101,905 $ 103,014 Accrued expenses 149,331 152,303 Current portion of debt 92,954 60,129 -------------------- ---------------------- Total current liabilities 344,190 315,446 Long-term debt 675,000 1,090,666 Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension 327,489 336,663 Accrued reclamation and mine closure 116,603 118,928 Accrued workers' compensation 80,212 78,593 Accrued pension cost 21,833 19,287 Obligations under capital leases 10,074 11,348 Other noncurrent liabilities 53,632 41,809 -------------------- ---------------------- Total liabilities 1,629,033 2,012,740 -------------------- ---------------------- Stockholders' equity Common stock 527 397 Paid-in-capital 835,312 473,428 Retained deficit (233,565) (234,980) Treasury stock, at cost - (18,971) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (12,727) - -------------------- ---------------------- Total stockholders' equity 589,547 219,874 -------------------- ---------------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,218,580 $2,232,614 ==================== ====================== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, ---------------- ---- ------------- -------------- ---- -------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 ---------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------- Revenues Coal sales $350,214 $ 322,298 $710,257 $666,697 Income from equity investment 4,247 1,761 10,306 5,392 Other revenues 14,119 16,094 29,444 25,865 ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- 368,580 340,153 750,007 697,954 ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Costs and expenses Cost of coal sales 332,577 297,132 662,102 627,117 Selling, general and administrative expenses 12,043 10,904 25,837 20,660 Amortization of coal supply agreements 7,575 9,607 15,161 19,703 Other expenses 4,196 2,544 8,525 7,610 ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- 356,391 320,187 711,625 675,090 ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Income from operations 12,189 19,966 38,382 22,864 Interest expense, net: Interest expense (14,726) (23,195) (36,080) (46,115) Interest income 3,386 404 3,637 699 ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- (11,340) ( 22,791) (32,443) (45,416) ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Income (loss) before income taxes 849 (2,825) 5,939 (22,552) Income tax benefit - (700) (1,000) (5,400) ---------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- Net income (loss) $ 849 $ (2,125) $ 6,939 $ (17,152) ================ ============= ============== ============== Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ 0.02 $ (0.06) $ 0.16 $ (0.45) Diluted $ 0.02 $ (0.06) $ 0.15 $ (0.45) ================ ============= ============== ============== Dividends declared per share $ 0.0575 $ 0.0575 $ 0.115 $ 0.115 ================ ============= ============== ============== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
ARCH COAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) Six Months Ended June 30, ---------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 -------------------- ---------------------- Operating activities Net income (loss) $ 6,939 $ (17,152) Adjustments to reconcile to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 89,109 103,153 Prepaid royalties expensed 3,304 3,601 Net gain on disposition of assets (3,862) (10,696) Income from equity investment (10,306) (5,392) Net distributions from equity investment 27,245 12,929 Changes in: Receivables 962 30,112 Inventories (3,701) 766 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (4,081) 8,603 Income taxes (7,639) (5,343) Accrued postretirement benefits other than pension (9,174) (160) Accrued reclamation and mine closure (2,325) (10,922) Accrued workers' compensation benefits 1,619 (6,685) Other (3,146) (5,620) -------------------- ---------------------- Cash provided by operating activities 84,944 97,194 -------------------- ---------------------- Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment (64,635) (92,011) Proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment 4,595 12,720 Additions to prepaid royalties (20,114) (20,842) -------------------- ---------------------- Cash used in investing activities (80,154) (100,133) -------------------- ---------------------- Financing activities Net payments on revolver and lines of credit (247,841) (7,425) Payments on term loan (135,000) - Proceeds from sale and leaseback of equipment - 13,352 Reductions of obligations under capital lease (1,274) - Dividends paid (5,524) (4,389) Proceeds from sale of stock 380,985 - -------------------- ---------------------- Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (8,654) 1,538 -------------------- ---------------------- Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,864) (1,401) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 6,028 3,283 -------------------- ---------------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,164 $ 1,882 ==================== ====================== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, but are subject to any year-end adjustments, which may be necessary. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2001. Arch Coal, Inc. (the Company) operates one reportable segment: the production of steam and metallurgical coal from surface and deep mines in the United States, for sale to utility, industrial and export markets. The Companys mines are located in the central Appalachian and western regions of the United States. All subsidiaries (except as noted below) are wholly-owned. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Arch Western Resources, LLC (Arch Western), a subsidiary of the Company, is 99% owned by the Company and 1% owned by Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), which merged with a subsidiary of BP Amoco on April 18, 2000. The principal operating units of Arch Western are Thunder Basin Coal Company, L.L.C., owned 100% by Arch Western, which operates one coal mine in the Southern Powder River Basin in Wyoming; Mountain Coal Company, L.L.C., owned 100% by Arch Western, which operates one coal mine in Colorado; Canyon Fuel Company, LLC (Canyon Fuel), 65% owned by Arch Western and 35% by ITOCHU Coal International Inc., a subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation, which operates three coal mines in Utah; and Arch of Wyoming, LLC, owned 100% by Arch Western, which operates two coal mines in the Hanna Basin of Wyoming.
The Companys 65% ownership of Canyon Fuel is accounted for on the equity method in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of certain super-majority voting rights in the joint venture agreement. Income from Canyon Fuel is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as income from equity investment (see additional discussion in Investment in Canyon Fuel in Note D).
On February 22, 2001, the Company completed a public offering of 9,927,765 shares of common stock, including the remaining 4,756,968 shares held by its then largest stockholder, Ashland Inc., and 5,170,797 primary and treasury shares issued directly by the Company. The proceeds realized by the Company from the transaction of $92.9 million after the underwriters discount and expenses, were used to pay down debt.
On April 12, 2001, the Company filed a Universal Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Universal Shelf allows the Company to offer, from time to time, an aggregate of up to $750 million in debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock and related rights and warrants. On May 8, 2001, the Company utilized the shelf registration and completed a public offering of 8,500,000 primary shares of common stock. On May 16, 2001, the underwriters involved in the offering purchased an additional 424,200 shares pursuant to an over-allotment option granted by the Company in connection with the May 8, 2001 offering. The proceeds realized from these transactions after the underwriting discount and expenses were $279.3 million. These proceeds were used to pay down debt. The Company can still issue an additional $455.5 million in debt and equity securities under the Universal Shelf. The Company also recognized proceeds of $8.8 million from sales of shares through the Companys employee stock option plan during the six months ended June 30, 2001.
The Company adopted FAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, on January 1, 2001. FAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in the fair value of assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivatives change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. The Companys interest rate swaps are affected by the provisions of FAS 133. The Company enters into interest-rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of outstanding Company debt. The swap agreements essentially convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. These agreements require the exchange of amounts based on variable interest rates for amounts based on fixed interest rates over the life of the agreement. In accordance with FAS 133, these instruments qualify as a cash flow hedge and are deemed to be effective for the variable-rate debt being hedged. Accordingly, the Company recorded the fair value of the instruments on the balance sheet as an other non-current liability. The Company recorded the unrealized loss, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The adoption of FAS 133 had no impact on the Companys results of operations or cash flows. The effects related to the adoption of FAS 133 and the comprehensive income effect related to the six months ended June 30, 2001 follow:
Interest Rate Tax Accumulated Other Swaps Effect Comprehensive Loss --------------- ------------- ---------------------- (in thousands) Adoption (January 1, 2001) $ (7,910) $ 3,085 $ (4,825) Other comprehensive loss (12,954) 5,052 (7,902) --------------- ------------- ---------------------- June 30, 2001 $ (20,864) $ 8,137 $ (12,727) =============== ============= ====================== The following table presents comprehensive income (loss): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, ------------- -- ------------- ----------- -- ------------ 2001 2000 2001 2000 ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------ (in thousands) Net income (loss) $ 849 $ (2,125) $ 6,939 $ (17,152) Other comprehensive income (loss) net of income tax benefit 1,282 - (7,902) - ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------ Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,131 $ (2,125) $ (963) $ (17,152) ============= ============= =========== ============
The following table presents unaudited summarized financial information for Canyon Fuel which is accounted for on the equity method:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, --------------------------- ------------- -- ------------ Condensed Income Statement Information 2001 2000 2001 2000 ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ (in thousands) Revenues $ 71,357 $ 60,407 $ 141,521 $ 125,699 Total costs and expenses 64,678 58,420 126,832 119,703 ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ Net income $ 6,679 $ 1,987 $ 14,689 $ 5,996 ============= ============ =========== ============ 65% of Canyon Fuel net income $ 4,341 $ 1,292 $ 9,548 $ 3,897 Effect of purchase adjustments (94) 469 758 1,495 ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ Company's income from its equity investment in Canyon Fuel $ 4,247 $ 1,761 $ 10,306 $ 5,392 ============= ============ =========== ============
The Companys income from its equity investment in Canyon Fuel represents 65% of Canyon Fuels net income after adjusting for the effect of its investment in Canyon Fuel. The Companys investment in Canyon Fuel reflects purchase adjustments primarily related to the reduction in amounts assigned to sales contracts, mineral reserves and other property, plant and equipment.
June 30, December 31, 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- (in thousands) Coal $ 20,202 $ 21,185 Repair parts and supplies 31,429 26,745 ----------------- ---------------- $ 51,631 $ 47,930 ================= ================ Note F - Debt Debt consists of the following: June 30, December 31, 2001 2000 ----------------- ---------------- (in thousands) Indebtedness to banks under lines of credit $ 10,000 $ - Indebtedness to banks under revolving credit agreement, expiring May 31, 2003 77,199 332,100 Variable rate term loan payable quarterly - 135,000 Variable rate term loan due May 31, 2003 675,000 675,000 Other 5,755 8,695 ----------------- ---------------- $ 767,954 $1,150,795 Less current portion 92,954 60,129 ----------------- ---------------- Long-term debt $ 675,000 $1,090,666 ================= ================
The Company has two five-year credit facilities: a $675.0 million, non-amortizing term loan in the name of Arch Western and a revolving credit facility in the name of the Company. The rate of interest on borrowings under both of the credit facilities is based on LIBOR. The Arch Western loan is secured by Arch Westerns membership interests in its subsidiaries. It is not guaranteed by the Company. The Companys credit facility initially included both a revolver and a fully amortizing term loan. In February and May 2001, the Company used proceeds from its public stock offerings (See Note B) to retire the term loan with the remainder reducing the then outstanding borrowings under the revolver. Subsequent to such repayments, the Companys revolving credit agreement provides for borrowings of up to $547.0 million less any outstanding letters of credit. At June 30, 2001, the Company had $34.8 million in letters of credit outstanding which, when combined with outstanding borrowings under the revolver, allowed for $435.0 million of additional borrowings under the revolver. The Company also periodically establishes uncommitted lines of credit with banks. These agreements generally provide for short-term borrowings at market rates. At June 30, 2001, there were $20.0 million of such agreements in effect, of which $10.0 million were outstanding. Aggregate required maturities of debt are $0.7 million for the remainder of 2001, $0.5 million in 2002, $762.7 million in 2003, $0.6 million in 2004, $0.6 million in 2005 and $2.9 million thereafter.
Terms of the Companys credit facilities and leases contain financial and other covenants that limit the ability of the Company to, among other things, effect acquisitions or dispositions and borrow additional funds and require the Company to, among other things, maintain various financial ratios and comply with various other financial covenants. In addition, the covenants required the pledging of assets to collateralize the term loan and the Companys revolving credit facility. The assets pledged include equity interests in wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain real property interests, accounts receivable and inventory of the Company. Failure by the Company to comply with such covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company was in compliance with these financial covenants at June 30, 2001.
The Company enters into interest-rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of the Companys outstanding debt. At June 30, 2001, the Company had interest-rate swap agreements having a total notional value of $425.0 million. These swap agreements are used to convert variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. Under these swap agreements, the Company pays a weighted-average fixed rate of 6.89% (before the credit spread over LIBOR) and is receiving a weighted-average variable rate based upon 30-day and 90-day LIBOR. At June 30, 2001, the remaining terms of the swap agreements ranged from 14 to 48 months.
The Company is a party to numerous claims and lawsuits with respect to various matters. The Company provides for costs related to contingencies when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably determinable. After conferring with counsel, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these claims, to the extent not previously provided for, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
The Companys operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 reflect a $9.4 million insurance settlement as part of the Companys coverage under its property and business interruption policy. The insurance settlement represents the final settlement for losses incurred at the West Elk Mine in Gunnison County, Colorado, which was idled from January 28, 2000 to July 12, 2000 following the detection of combustion-related gasses. The three and six month periods ended June 30, 2000 also reflect a $12.0 million partial insurance settlement associated with this event.
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, as a result of permit revisions at its idle mine properties in Illinois, the Company reduced its reclamation liability resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.5 million. Also, as a result of permit revisions at the same property during the second quarter of 2000, the Company reduced its reclamation liability resulting in a pre-tax gain of $7.8 million.
During the second quarter of 2001, as a result of progress in processing claims associated with the recovery of certain previously paid excise taxes on export sales, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $4.6 million. Of the $4.6 million recognized, $3.1 million represents the interest component of the claim and was recorded as interest income. The gain stems from an IRS notice during the second quarter of 2000 outlining the procedures for obtaining tax refunds on black lung excise taxes paid by the industry on export sales. The notice was the result of a 1998 federal district court decision that found such taxes to be unconstitutional. The Company recorded $12.7 million of pre-tax income related to these excise tax recoveries during the second quarter of 2000.
The Company recognized pre-tax charges of $2.0 million and $8.3 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2001, respectively, for stock-based compensation benefit programs that may be realized in future periods as a result of improved stock performance. The Company also recognized reduced interest expense of $1.7 million primarily associated with the termination of certain interest rate swaps, which did not qualify as hedges under accounting prescribed by FAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. During the second quarter of 2001, Canyon Fuel, the Companys equity method investment, recognized recoveries of previously paid property taxes. The Companys share of these recoveries was $2.6 million and is reflected as income from equity investment on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations.
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, ------------------------------- ------------------------------- 2001 2000 2001 2000 -------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 849 $ (2,125) $ 6,939 $ (17,152) ============== ============ ============ ============== Denominator: Weighted average shares - denominator for basic 48,984 38,164 44,721 38,164 Dilutive effect of employee stock options 601 - 386 - -------------- ------------ ------------ -------------- Adjusted weighted average shares - denominator for diluted 49,585 38,164 45,107 38,164 ============== ============ ============ ============== Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ .02 $ (.06) $ .16 $ (.45) Diluted $ .02 $ (.06) $ .15 $ (.45) ============== ============ ============ ==============
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Statements in this quarterly report which are not statements of historical fact
are forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provision of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are
based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions
deemed reasonable by, the Company at the time the statements are made. Because
these forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties,
actual results may differ materially from those projected in the statements.
These expectations, assumptions and uncertainties include: the Company's
expectation of continued growth in the demand for electricity; belief that
legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and the relatively
higher costs of competing fuels will increase demand for its compliance and
low-sulfur coal; expectation of continued improved market conditions for the
price of coal; expectation that the Company will continue to have adequate
liquidity from its cash flow from operations, together with available borrowings
under its credit facilities, to finance the Company's working capital needs; a
variety of operational, geologic, permitting, labor and weather related factors;
and the other risks and uncertainties which are described below under
"Contingencies" and "Certain Trends and Uncertainties."
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Quarter Ended June 30, 2001, Compared
to Quarter Ended June 30, 2000
Net Income (Loss). Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 was $.8
million compared to a net loss of $2.1 million for the quarter ended June 30,
2000. Results for the quarter were impacted by production difficulties at the
Company's West Elk mine in Gunnison County, Colorado caused by high methane
levels (which are unrelated to the combustion gasses experienced by the West Elk
mine in 2000) and by lower production at the Company's Samples surface operation
in West Virginia caused by a sandstone intrusion into the coal seam. Results for
the quarter ended June 30, 2001 were positively impacted by the following other
items: (1) A $9.4 million insurance settlement under the Company's property and
business interruption policy. The insurance settlement represents the final
payment for losses incurred at the West Elk mine, which was idled from January
28, 2000 to July 12, 2000 following the detection of combustion-related gasses.
(2) A $4.6 million pre-tax gain resulting from an IRS notice received during the
second quarter of 2000, which outlined the procedures necessary to obtain
refunds on black lung excise taxes previously paid on export sales. The notice
followed a 1998 federal district court decision that found such taxes to be
unconstitutional. Of the $4.6 million recognized, $3.1 million represents the
interest component of the claim and was recorded as interest income. (3) A $1.7
million reduction in interest expense primarily associated with the termination
of certain interest rate swaps that did not qualify as hedges under the
accounting treatment prescribed by FAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." These items were partially offset by a
pre-tax charge of $2.0 million for stock-based compensation benefits that may be
realized in future periods as a result of improved stock performance.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2000, results were adversely impacted by the
idling of the West Elk mine due to the combustion gasses noted above, which were
offset to some extent by an associated partial pre-tax insurance settlement of
$12.0 million under the Company's business interruption policy. Also, as a
result of permit revisions at its idle mine properties in Illinois, the Company
reduced its reclamation liability resulting in a pre-tax gain of $7.8 million.
In addition, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $12.7 million related to
excise tax recoveries on export shipments in connection with the IRS notice
described above.
The West Elk mine's coal sales in the second quarter of 2001 were $10.7 million
greater than its sales in the second quarter of 2000, although the mine
experienced significant production difficulties in both quarters. In 2001, the
West Elk mine encountered higher-than-expected methane levels following the
relocation of its longwall mining system to the eastern section of the mine in
late February 2001. The high methane levels reduced production during the
quarter which negatively impacted net income. During 2000, the mine was idled
from January 28 to July 12 following the detection of combustion-related gasses.
During the second quarter of 2001, the West Elk mine contributed $10.7 million
to coal sales compared to no coal sales in the second quarter of 2000. This
compares to $27.2 million of coal sales during the second quarter of 1999, a
comparable quarter of uninterrupted production. Excluding the insurance
recoveries discussed above, operating losses for the mine for the second
quarters of 2001 and 2000 were $9.0 million and $22.3 million, respectively,
compared to operating income of $4.8 million during the second quarter of
1999.
Revenues. Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 were $368.6
million, an increase of $28.4 million from the quarter ended June 30, 2000. This
increase was the result of several factors including the increase in sales at
West Elk when compared to the same period in the prior year, improved pricing on
the limited tonnage that was open to market-based pricing during the current
period, and increased pass through transportation revenues (that are offset by
increased transportation costs in cost of sales).
Income From Equity Investment. During the three months ended June 30,
2001, Canyon Fuel, the Company's equity method investment, recognized recoveries
of previously paid property taxes. The Company's share of these recoveries is
$2.6 million, which is reflected as income from equity investment in the
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income from Operations. Excluding the losses at the West Elk mine, the
associated insurance recoveries, the black lung excise tax gains, the additional
stock-based compensation accruals, the Canyon Fuel property tax recoveries and
the reclamation adjustment at the Company's Arch of Illinois subsidiary in the
second quarters of 2001 and 2000 (all described above), income from operations
of $9.7 million during the second quarter of 2001 was $0.1 million lower than
that of the second quarter of 2000. The decrease in income from operations is
primarily attributable to additional costs and lower production at the Samples
mine resulting from the sandstone intrusion partially offset by improved pricing
on the limited coal tonnage that was open to market-based pricing during the
quarter.
Amortization of Coal Supply Agreements. Amortization of coal supply
agreements decreased by $2.0 million as a result of the expiration and buy-out
of above-market contracts that were valued on the Company's balance sheet in the
prior year.
Income Taxes. The Company's effective tax rate is sensitive to changes in
estimates of annual profitability and percentage depletion. Primarily as a
result of percentage depletion, no impact of income taxes was recorded in the
second quarter of 2001.
Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense of $8.5 million was
primarily a result of lower debt levels in the second quarter of 2001 compared
to the second quarter of 2000 and a reduction of interest expense of $1.7
million associated with the termination of certain interest rate swaps that did
not qualify as a hedge under accounting prescribed by FAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." Proceeds from two public stock
offerings have significantly reduced debt levels from the prior year (see
additional discussion in Liquidity and Capital Resources).
Interest Income. The increase in interest income of $3.0 million was
primarily the result of the recognition of the interest component of the black
lung excise tax recovery described previously.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (income from operations before the
effect of net interest expense; income taxes; and depreciation, depletion and
amortization of the Company, its subsidiaries and its ownership percentage in
its equity investments) was $68.3 million for the current quarter compared to
$80.8 million for the second quarter of 2000. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA
was primarily attributable to the decrease in income from operations. EBITDA is
a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to incur and
service debt, but EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an
alternative to net income, operating income or cash flows from operations or as
a measure of a company's profitability, liquidity or performance under U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. This measure of EBITDA may not be
comparable to similar measures reported by other companies, or EBITDA may be
computed differently by the Company in different contexts (i.e., public
reporting versus computations under financing arrangements).
Six Months Ended June 30, 2001, Compared
to Six Months Ended June 30, 2000
Net Income (Loss). Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was
$6.9 million compared to a net loss of $17.2 million for the six months ended
June 30, 2000. Results for the current period were positively impacted by
continuing strong margins on limited tonnage open to market-based pricing and
reduced interest expense associated with lower debt levels. The current period
results were negatively impacted by production difficulties at the West Elk mine
in Gunnison County, Colorado caused by high methane levels (which are unrelated
to the combustion gasses experienced by the West Elk mine in 2000) and by lower
production at the Company's Samples surface operation in West Virginia caused by
a sandstone intrusion into the coal seam. Results for the six months ended June
30, 2001 were positively impacted by the following other items: (1) A $9.4
million insurance settlement as part of the Company's coverage under its
property and business interruption policy. The insurance settlement represents
the final settlement for losses incurred at the West Elk mine, which was idled
from January 28, 2000 to July 12, 2000 following the detection of
combustion-related gasses. (2) A $4.6 million pre-tax gain resulting from an IRS
notice received during the second quarter of 2000 which outlined the procedures
necessary to obtain refunds on black lung excise taxes previously paid on export
sales. The notice followed a 1998 federal district court decision that found
such taxes to be unconstitutional. Of the $4.6 million recognized, $3.1 million
represents the interest component of the claim and was recorded as interest
income. (3) A 3.5 million pre-tax gain resulting from previously recorded
reclamation liabilities at the Company's idle Illinois properties where, as a
result of permit revisions, the amount of reclamation work expected was reduced.
(4) A $1.7 million reduction in interest expense primarily associated with the
termination of certain interest rate swaps that did not qualify as hedges under
accounting prescribed by FAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." These items were partially offset by a pre-tax charge
of $8.3 million for stock-based compensation benefits that may be realized in
future periods as a result of improved stock performance.
During the six months ended June 30, 2000, results were adversely impacted by
the idling of the West Elk mine from the combustion gasses as described above,
which were offset to some extent by an associated partial pre-tax insurance
settlement of $12.0 million under the Company's business interruption policy.
Also, as a result of permit revisions at its idle mine properties in Illinois,
the Company reduced its reclamation liability resulting in a pre-tax gain of
$7.8 million. In addition, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $12.7 million
related to excise tax recoveries on export shipments in connection with the IRS
notice described above.
The West Elk mine's coal sales for the six months ended June 30, 2001 were $25.4
million greater than its sales in the same period of 2000, although the mine
experienced significant production difficulties during both periods. In 2001,
the West Elk mine encountered higher-than-expected methane levels following the
relocation of its longwall mining system to the eastern section of the mine in
late February 2001. The high methane levels reduced production during the six
months ended June 30, 2001, which negatively impacted net income. During 2000,
the mine was idled from January 28 to July 12 following the detection of
combustion-related gasses. During the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000,
the West Elk mine contributed $34.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively, to
coal sales. This compares to $54.4 million of coal sales during the six months
ended June 30, 1999, a comparable period of uninterrupted production. Excluding
the impact of the insurance recoveries discussed above, operating losses for the
mine for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 were $10.8 million and
$34.1 million, respectively, compared to operating income of $6.3 million during
the six months ended June 30, 1999.
Revenues. Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2001 were
$750.0 million, an increase of $52.1 million from the six months ended June 30,
2000. This increase was the result of several factors including, the increase in
sales at West Elk when compared to the same period in the prior year, improved
pricing on the limited tonnage that was open to market-based pricing during the
current period, and increased pass through transportation revenues (that are
offset by increased transportation costs in cost of sales).
Income From Equity Investment. During the six months ended June 30, 2001,
Canyon Fuel, the Company's equity method investment, recognized recoveries of
previously paid property taxes. The Company's share of these recoveries is $2.6
million, which is reflected as income from equity investment in the Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income from Operations. Excluding the losses at the West Elk mine, the
associated insurance recoveries, the black lung excise tax gains, the additional
stock-based compensation accruals, the Canyon Fuel property tax recoveries and
the reclamation adjustment at the Company's Arch of Illinois subsidiary in the
six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 (all described above), income from
operations of $40.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2001 was $16.0
million higher than that of the six months ended June 30, 2000. The increase in
income from operations is primarily attributable to improved pricing on the
limited coal tonnage that was open to market-based pricing during the current
period. These favorable results were reduced by additional costs and lower
production at the Samples mine resulting from the sandstone intrusion.
Amortization of Coal Supply Agreements. Amortization of coal supply
agreements decreased by $4.5 million as a result of the expiration and buy-out
of above-market contracts that were valued on the Company's balance sheet in the
prior year.
Income Taxes. The Company's effective tax rate is sensitive to changes in
estimates of annual profitability and percentage depletion. The income tax
benefit recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2001 is primarily the result
of the impact of percentage depletion.
Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense of $10.0 million was
primarily a result of lower debt levels in the six months ended June 30, 2001
compared to the same period of 2000 and a reduction of interest expense of $1.7
million associated with the termination of certain interest-rate swaps which did
not qualify as a hedge under the accounting treatment prescribed by FAS 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." Proceeds from
two public stock offerings have significantly reduced debt levels from the prior
year (see additional discussion in Liquidity and Capital Resources).
Interest Income. The increase in interest income of $2.9 million was
primarily the result of the recognition of the interest component of the black
lung excise tax recovery described previously.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA (income from operations before the
effect of net interest expense; income taxes; and depreciation, depletion and
amortization of the Company, its subsidiaries and its ownership percentage in
its equity investments) was $148.6 million for the six months ended June 30,
2001 compared to $144.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000.
OUTLOOK
West Elk Mine. The Company's West Elk mine encountered
higher-than-expected methane levels following the relocation of its longwall
mining system to the eastern section of the mine in late February 2001. The
higher methane levels led to a reduction of planned shipments from the West Elk
mine in the first half of 2001. The Company is in the process of completing an
expansion to its in-mine degasification system, as well as installing vertical
holes to the surface in an attempt to alleviate the methane problem. If the
Company is unable to adequately control methane levels at the mine, it may be
forced to continue to operate the mine at lower levels of production than
planned or to idle the mine.
The West Elk mine was idle for approximately six months in 2000 following the
detection of combustion-related gasses in the western section of the mine. The
Company incurred between $4.0 million and $6.0 million per month in after-tax
losses while the mine was idled. Additional fire-related costs were incurred at
the West Elk mine following the resumption of mining activities. Since the
inception of the event, the Company has received and recognized aggregate
pre-tax insurance settlements of $40.6 million that cover a portion of the
losses incurred at West Elk. The final insurance settlement of $9.4 million was
received in the second quarter of 2001. During the first quarter of 2001, the
Company completed mining the last longwall panel in the western section and
permanently sealed the entire western side of the mine.
West Virginia Operations. On October 20, 1999, the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of West Virginia permanently enjoined the West
Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from issuing any permits
that authorize the construction of valley fills as part of coal mining
operations. The West Virginia DEP complied with the injunction by issuing an
order banning the issuance of permits for the construction of nearly all new
valley fills and the expansion of nearly all existing valley fills. The district
court then granted a stay of its injunction, pending the outcome of an appeal of
the court's decision filed by the West Virginia DEP with the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. On April 24, 2001, the Court of Appeals vacated
the judgment of the district court with respect to the injunction.
The injunction discussed above was entered as part of the litigation that caused
a delay in obtaining mining permits for the Company's Dal-Tex operation
described under "Contingencies-Legal Contingencies-Dal-Tex Litigation." As a
result of the delay, the Company idled its Dal-Tex mining operation on July 23,
1999. If all necessary permits are obtained, the Company may reopen the mine
subject to then-existing market conditions.
Previously, the Company had disclosed that longwall mineable reserves at Mingo
Logan were likely to be exhausted during 2002. As a result of improvements to
the mine plan, the mine is not expected to exhaust its longwall mineable
reserves until well into 2003.
During the current quarter, the Company's Samples surface mine in southern West
Virginia encountered a larger than expected sandstone intrusion. The intrusion
has resulted in the thinning of the principal coal seam in the ridge that the
mine is currently mining. The thinning of the seam has reduced recoverable coal
available and driven up mining costs on a per-ton basis. The Company expects the
Samples operation to be impacted by the sandstone intrusion through the
beginning of 2002.
Coal Markets. Although the Company continues to be adversely affected by
coal contracts priced during weak market conditions, there have been
developments that have translated into improved market conditions for coal. More
normal U.S. weather temperatures since late 2000 and continued growth of the
"digital" economy have created an increased demand for electricity. In addition,
the price of natural gas is volatile and has increased since January 2000, and
hydroelectric power conditions are weaker than normal due to dry conditions. The
nuclear power system is operating at near its effective limits and no new
domestic nuclear plants are currently in the permitting stage. Meanwhile, power
generators have announced plans to construct several new coal-fired power plants
while coal stockpiles remain near their historic low levels. Also, over the
course of the last year, quoted and spot prices for coal produced in the regions
in which the Company operates have risen significantly. Consequently, the
Company has been able to commit much of its previously uncommitted 2002
production at higher prices than in the recent past. Virtually all of the
Company's estimated 2002 production has now been committed.
Low-Sulfur Coal Producer. The Company continues to believe that it is
well positioned to capitalize on the continuing growth in demand for low-sulfur
coal to produce electricity. With Phase II of the Clean Air Act in effect,
compliance coal has captured a growing share of United States coal demand and
commands a higher price in the marketplace than high-sulfur coal. Compliance
coal is coal that meets the requirements of Phase II of the Clean Air Act
without the use of expensive scrubbing technology. One hundred percent of the
Company's current coal production is low sulfur. All of the Company's western
coal production and approximately half of its eastern production is compliance
quality. Approximately 68% of the Company's coal reserves are compliance quality
while an additional 22% is low sulfur, or coal that emits between 1.2 and 2.5
pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTU's of heat content.
Chief Objectives. The Company continues to focus on realizing the
potential of its assets and to maximize stockholder value. Its first financial
objective in recent quarters has been to aggressively reduce debt and strengthen
its balance sheet. Through June 30, 2001, the Company reduced its total debt by
$382.8 million principally through the use of proceeds raised in the February
and May 2001 equity offerings described in the Liquidity and Capital Resources
section below. In total, the Company has paid down more than $600 million in
debt in the past ten quarters. The Company's debt-to-capitalization ratio, which
was 84% at December 31, 2000, declined to 57% at June 30, 2001. The Company
anticipates continuing to make substantial progress toward reducing debt in the
future.
In addition to continuing its efforts to pay down, restructure and diversify its
remaining debt, the Company will focus on taking steps designed to improve
earnings, strengthen cash generation, improve productivity and reduce costs at
its large-scale mines, and build on its leading position in its target
coal-producing basins.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following is a summary of cash provided by or used in each of the indicated
types of activities during the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000:
2001 2000
---------------- ----------------
(in thousands)
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 84,944 $ 97,194
Investing activities (80,154) (100,133)
Financing activities (8,654) 1,538
Cash provided by operating activities decreased in the six months ended June 30,
2001 compared to the same period in 2000 despite a $24.0 million increase in net
income period over period and increased distributions from its investment in
Canyon Fuel. Other items contributing to the decrease were reduced depreciation,
depletion and amortization expenses resulting from reduced sales contract
amortization, and increased working capital requirements, in each case, in the
current period when compared to the prior period.
Cash used in investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2001
decreased compared to the same period in 2000 due to lower capital expenditures.
During the six months ended June 30, 2000, the Company purchased all remaining
assets under a 1998 sale and leaseback arrangement for $45.0 million. This was
partially offset by higher capital expenditures at other Company operations in
2001.
Cash used in financing activities was $8.7 million in the first half of 2001
compared to cash provided by financing activities of $1.5 million during the
first half of 2000. The net cash used in financing activities reflects the cash
generated by the February 2001 and May 2001 issuances of common stock, which
resulted in proceeds of $372.2 million and the pay-down of $382.8 million of
debt. During the six months ended June 30, 2000, the Company entered into a sale
and leaseback of certain equipment, which resulted in net proceeds of $13.4
million.
On February 22, 2001, the Company completed a public offering of 9,927,765
shares of common stock, including the remaining 4,756,968 shares held by its
then largest stockholder, Ashland Inc., and 5,170,797 primary and treasury
shares issued directly by the Company. Proceeds realized from the transaction,
which totaled $92.9 million net of the underwriters' discount and expenses, were
used to pay down debt.
On April 12, 2001, the Company filed a Universal Shelf Registration Statement on
Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Universal Shelf allows
the Company to offer, from time to time, an aggregate of up to $750 million in
debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, common stock and related
rights and warrants. On May 8, 2001, the Company utilized the shelf registration
and completed a public offering of 8,500,000 primary shares of common stock. On
May 16, 2001, the underwriters involved in the offering purchased an additional
424,200 shares pursuant to an over-allotment option granted by the Company in
connection with the May 8, 2001 offering. The proceeds realized from these
transactions after the underwriting discount and expenses were $279.3 million.
The proceeds were used to retire the Company's term loan with the remainder
reducing the borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility.
The Company generally satisfies its working capital requirements and funds its
capital expenditures and debt-service obligations with cash generated from
operations. The Company believes that cash generated from operations and its
borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet its working capital requirements,
anticipated capital expenditures and scheduled debt payments for at least the
next several years. The Company's ability to satisfy debt service obligations,
to fund planned capital expenditures, to make acquisitions and to pay dividends
will depend upon its future operating performance, which will be affected by
prevailing economic conditions in the coal industry and financial, business and
other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control.
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment were $64.6 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2001, compared to $92.0 million for the six months ended
June 30, 2000. Capital expenditures are made to improve and replace existing
mining equipment, expand existing mines, develop new mines and improve the
overall efficiency of mining operations. The Company estimates that its capital
expenditures will be approximately $50.0 million to $60.0 million for the
remainder of 2001. It is anticipated that these capital expenditures will be
funded by available cash and existing credit facilities.
At June 30, 2001, the Company had $34.8 million in letters of credit outstanding
which, when combined with outstanding borrowings under the revolver, allowed for
$435.0 million of available borrowings under the Company's revolving credit
facility. Financial covenants contained in the Company's credit facilities
consist of a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a
minimum net worth test. The leverage ratio requires that the Company not permit
the ratio of total indebtedness at the end of any calendar quarter to adjusted
EBITDA for the four quarters then ended exceed a specified amount. The fixed
charge coverage ratio requires that the Company not permit the ratio of the
Company's adjusted EBITDA plus lease expense to interest expense plus lease
expense for the four quarters then ended to be less than a specified amount. The
net worth test requires that the Company not permit its net worth to be less
than a specified amount plus 50% of cumulative net income. In addition, the
covenants require the pledging of assets to collateralize the Company's
revolving credit facility. The assets pledged include equity interests in wholly
owned subsidiaries, certain real property interests, accounts receivable and
inventory of the Company. The Company was in compliance with these financial
covenants at June 30, 2001.
The Company periodically establishes uncommitted lines of credit with banks.
These agreements generally provide for short-term borrowings at market rates. At
June 30, 2001, there were $20.0 million of such agreements in effect, of which
$10.0 million was outstanding. The Company can also issue an additional $455.5
million in public debt and equity securities under a shelf registration
statement.
The Company is exposed to market risk associated with interest rates. At June
30, 2001, debt included $762.2 million of floating-rate debt, with a rate of
interest based on LIBOR and current market rates for bank lines of credit. To
manage this exposure, the Company enters into interest-rate swap agreements to
modify the interest-rate characteristics of outstanding Company debt. At June
30, 2001, the Company had interest-rate swap agreements having a total notional
value of $425.0 million. These swap agreements are used to convert variable-rate
debt to fixed-rate debt. Under these swap agreements, the Company pays a
weighted average fixed rate of 6.89% (before the credit spread over LIBOR) and
receives a weighted average variable rate based upon 30-day and 90-day LIBOR.
The Company accrues amounts to be paid or received under interest-rate swap
agreements over the lives of the agreements. These amounts are recognized as
adjustments to interest expense over the lives of the agreements, thereby
adjusting the effective interest rate on the Company's debt. Gains and losses on
terminations of interest-rate swap agreements are deferred on the balance sheet
(in other long-term liabilities) and amortized as an adjustment to interest
expense over the remaining term of the terminated swap agreement. The remaining
terms of the swap agreements at June 30, 2001 ranged from 14 to 48
months.
The discussion below presents the sensitivity of the market value of the
Company's financial instruments to selected changes in market rates and prices.
The range of changes reflects the Company's view of changes that are reasonably
possible over a one-year period. Market values are the present value of
projected future cash flows based on the market rates and prices chosen. The
major accounting policies for these instruments are described previously in Note
C to the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June
30, 2001.
Changes in interest rates have different impacts on the fixed-rate and
variable-rate portions of the Company's debt portfolio. A change in interest
rates on the fixed portion of the debt portfolio impacts the net financial
instrument position but has no impact on interest incurred or cash flows. A
change in interest rates on the variable portion of the debt portfolio impacts
the interest incurred and cash flows but does not impact the net financial
instrument position.
The sensitivity analysis related to the fixed portion of the Company's debt
portfolio assumes an instantaneous 100-basis-point move in interest rates from
their levels at June 30, 2001 with all other variables held constant. A
100-basis-point decrease in market interest rates would result in an increase in
the net financial instrument position of the fixed portion of debt of $9.3
million at June 30, 2001. Based on the variable-rate debt included in the
Company's debt portfolio as of June 30, 2001, after considering the effect of
the swap agreements, a 100-basis-point increase in interest rates would result
in an annualized additional $3.4 million of interest expense incurred based on
June 30, 2001 debt levels.
CONTINGENCIES
Reclamation.
The federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 ("SMCRA") and
similar state statutes require that mine property be restored in accordance with
specified standards and an approved reclamation plan. The Company accrues for
the costs of final mine closure reclamation over the estimated useful mining
life of the property. These costs relate to reclaiming the pit and support
acreage at surface mines and sealing portals at deep mines. Other costs of final
mine closure common to surface and underground mining are related to reclaiming
refuse and slurry ponds, eliminating sedimentation and drainage control
structures and dismantling or demolishing equipment or buildings used in mining
operations. The Company also accrues for significant reclamation that is
completed during the mining process prior to final mine closure. The
establishment of the final mine closure reclamation liability and the other
ongoing reclamation liabilities are based upon permit requirements and require
various estimates and assumptions, principally associated with costs and
productivities.
The Company reviews its entire environmental liability periodically and makes
necessary adjustments, including permit changes and revisions to costs and
productivities to reflect current experience. The Company's management believes
it is making adequate provisions for all expected reclamation and other
associated costs.
Legal Contingencies.
The Company is a party to numerous claims and lawsuits with respect to various
matters, including those discussed below. The Company provides for costs related
to contingencies, including environmental matters, when a loss is probable and
the amount is reasonably determinable. After conferring with counsel, it is the
opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these claims, to the
extent not previously provided for, will not have a material adverse effect on
the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the
Company.
Dal-Tex Litigation. A federal court injunction that prohibited the
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from issuing permits
for the Company's Dal-Tex mine to use valley fill mining techniques resulted in
the shutdown of this mine in July 1999. A subsequent order prohibited the
construction or expansion of valley fills in West Virginia. Valley fills are
created by mountaintop mining and other techniques used in central Appalachia,
and involve the creation of large, engineered works into which excess earth and
rock extracted during surface mining are placed. The plaintiffs in the
litigation allege, among other things, that the construction of valley fills
violates a regulation arising from SMCRA that the plaintiffs allege prohibits
placing overburden or other obstructions in stream channels. The Company
appealed the order specific to its Dal-Tex operations, and the company, the West
Virginia DEP and other interested parties appealed the broader order concerning
valley fills. On April 24, 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Circuit vacated the judgment of the district court with respect to the
injunction that prohibited the West Virginia DEP from issuing permits to use
valley fill mining techniques. The decision of the Fourth Circuit could be
subject to a possible appeal to the United States Supreme Court, and does not
preclude the plaintiffs from pursuing remedies in state court. Because it is not
financially viable for coal producers to operate some mining properties without
valley fills, if the decision of the Fourth Circuit is overturned or state court
remedies similar to those obtained in the federal district court are available
to the plaintiffs, the Company and other coal producers in West Virginia may be
forced to close all or a portion of its mining operations in West Virginia, to
the extent those operations are dependent on the use of valley fills. A
settlement agreement entered into between the parties will require the
preparation of an EIS prior to the issuance of permits for the construction of
valley fills. The preparation of these statements is time-consuming and is
sometimes the subject of litigation. As a result, even though the district court
decision has been overturned, the Company cannot reopen the Dal-Tex mine until
the EIS is completed and all necessary permits are obtained. At that time, the
decision to commence mining operations will be subject to then-existing market
conditions.
Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment ("CHIA") Litigation. On
January 20, 2000, two environmental organizations, the Ohio Valley Environmental
Coalition and the Hominy Creek Watershed Association, filed suit against the
West Virginia DEP in U.S. District Court in Huntington, West Virginia. In
addition to allegations that the West Virginia DEP violated state law and
provisions of the Clean Water Act, the plaintiffs allege that the West Virginia
DEP's issuance of permits for surface and underground coal mining has violated
certain non-discretionary duties mandated by SMCRA. Specifically, the plaintiffs
allege that the West Virginia DEP has failed to require coal operators seeking
permits to conduct water monitoring to verify stream flows and ascertain water
quality, to always include certain water quality information in their permit
applications and to analyze the probable hydrologic consequences of their
operations. The plaintiffs also allege that the West Virginia DEP has failed to
analyze the cumulative hydrologic impact of mining operations on specific
watersheds.
The plaintiffs sought an injunction to prohibit the West Virginia DEP from
issuing any new permits which fail to comply with all of the elements identified
in their complaint. The complaint identifies, and sought to enjoin, three
pending permits sought by the Company in connection with its Mingo Logan
operations in order to continue existing surface mining operations at the
Phoenix reserve. On January 15, 2001, the West Virginia DEP notified the
plaintiffs that the Company has completed all steps necessary to obtain the
permits. On March 8, 2001, the Court denied the plaintiffs' motion for a
preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the DEP's decision to issue the
permits. The Company subsequently has received some of the permits necessary to
continue operating the surface mine. If the plaintiffs ultimately prevail in
this litigation, the Company's ability to mine surface coal at Mingo Logan could
be adversely affected and, depending upon the length of the suspension, the
effect could be material. This matter does not affect Mingo Logan's existing
permits related to its underground operations.
CERTAIN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Substantial Leverage - Variable Interest Rate - Covenants.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company had outstanding consolidated indebtedness of
$768.0 million, representing approximately 57% of the Company's capital
employed. Despite making substantial progress in reducing debt, the Company
continues to have significant debt service obligations, and the terms of its
credit agreements limit its flexibility and result in a number of limitations on
the Company. The Company also has significant lease and royalty obligations. The
Company's ability to satisfy debt service, lease and royalty obligations and to
effect any refinancing of its indebtedness will depend upon future operating
performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions in the
markets that the Company serves as well as financial, business and other
factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company may be
unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings or
other financings may be unavailable in an amount sufficient to enable it to fund
its debt service, lease and royalty payment obligations or its other liquidity
needs.
The Company's relative amount of debt and the terms of its credit agreements
could have material consequences to its business, including, but not limited to:
(i) making it more difficult to satisfy debt covenants and debt service, lease
payment and other obligations; (ii) making it more difficult to pay quarterly
dividends as the Company has in the past; (iii) increasing the Company's
vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; (iv) limiting
the Company's ability to obtain additional financing to fund future
acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate
requirements; (v) reducing the availability of cash flow from operations to fund
acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures or other general corporate
purposes; (vi) limiting the Company's flexibility in planning for, or reacting
to, changes in the Company's business and the industry in which the Company
competes; or (vii) placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage when
compared to competitors with less relative amounts of debt.
A significant portion of the Company's indebtedness bears interest at variable
rates that are linked to short-term interest rates. If interest rates rise, the
Company's costs relative to those obligations would also rise.
Terms of the Company's credit facilities and leases contain financial and other
covenants that create limitations on the Company's ability to, among other
things, effect acquisitions or dispositions and borrow additional funds and
require the Company to, among other things, maintain various financial ratios
and comply with various other financial covenants. Failure by the Company to
comply with such covenants could result in an event of default under these
agreements which, if not cured or waived, would enable the Company's lenders to
declare amounts borrowed due and payable or otherwise result in unanticipated
costs.
Losses.
Although the Company has reported positive net income for the first half of
2001, it had incurred a net loss of $12.7 million for the full year ended
December 31, 2000. The losses in 2000 were primarily attributable to the
temporary idling of the West Elk mine in Colorado following the detection of
combustion-related gasses in a portion of the mine.
Because the coal mining industry is subject to significant regulatory oversight
and due to the possibility of adverse pricing trends or other industry trends
beyond the Company's control, the Company may suffer losses in the future if
legal and regulatory rulings, mine idlings and closures, adverse pricing trends
or other factors affect the Company's ability to mine and sell coal
profitably.
Environmental And Regulatory Factors.
Federal, state and local governmental authorities regulate the coal mining
industry on matters as diverse as employee health and safety, air quality
standards, water pollution, groundwater quality and availability, plant and
wildlife protection, the reclamation and restoration of mining properties, the
discharge of materials into the environment and surface subsidence from
underground mining. In addition, federal legislation mandates certain benefits
for various retired coal miners represented by the United Mine Workers of
America ("UMWA"). These regulations and legislation have had and will continue
to have a significant effect on the Company's costs of production and
competitive position. Future regulations, legislation or orders may also cause
the Company's sales or profitability to decline by hindering its ability to
continue its mining operations or by increasing its costs or by causing coal to
become a less attractive fuel source.
Permits. Mining companies must obtain numerous permits that
strictly regulate environmental and health and safety matters in connection with
coal mining, some of which have significant bonding requirements. Regulatory
authorities exercise considerable discretion in the timing of permit issuance.
Also, private individuals and the public at large possess rights to comment on
and otherwise engage in the permitting process, including through intervention
in the courts. Accordingly, the permits necessary for mining operations may not
be issued or, if issued, may not be issued in a timely fashion or may involve
requirements that may be changed or interpreted in a manner that restricts the
Company's ability to conduct its mining operation or to do so
profitably.
As indicated by the legal action involving the Company's Dal-Tex operation which
is discussed in "Contingencies - Legal Contingencies - Dal-Tex Litigation"
above, the regulatory environment in West Virginia is uncertain with respect to
coal mining. No assurance can be made that the Fourth Circuit's decision will
not be overturned and the district court's decision reinstated or that the
plaintiffs will not obtain similar relief in a state court action. In such
event, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition or results of operations.
New Environmental Regulations. Several new environmental
regulations require a reduction in nitrogen oxide ("NOx") emissions generated by
coal-fired electric generating plants. Substantially all of the Company's
revenues from sales of coal in the first half of 2001 were from sales to
generators operating these types of plants. Enforcement actions against a number
of these generators, which include some of our customers, and proposed
legislation ultimately may require additional reductions in nitrogen oxide
emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency is also considering regulations
that would require reductions in mercury emissions from coal-fired electric
generating plants. To comply with these regulations and enforcement actions,
these generators may choose to switch to other fuels that generate less of these
emissions, such as natural gas or oil.
Kyoto Protocol. On December 11, 1997, the U.S. government
representatives at the climate change negotiations in Kyoto, Japan, agreed to
reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses (including carbon dioxide and other
gas emissions that are believed by some scientists to be trapping heat in the
atmosphere and warming the earth's climate) in the United States. The U.S.
adoption of the requirements of the Kyoto protocol is subject to conditions
which may not occur and is also subject to the protocol's ratification by the
U.S. Senate. The U.S. Senate has indicated that it will not ratify an agreement
unless certain conditions, not currently provided for in the Kyoto protocol, are
met. In addition, President Bush has stated that he does not support the Kyoto
Protocol as written. At present, it is not possible to predict whether the Kyoto
protocol will attain the force of law in the United States or what its impact
would be on the Company.
Customers. In July 1997, the EPA proposed that 22 eastern states,
including states in which many of the Company's customers are located, make
substantial reductions in NOx emissions. The EPA expects the states to achieve
these reductions by requiring power plants to reduce their NOx emissions to a
level of 0.15 pounds of NOx per million Btu's of energy consumed. Many of the
states sued the EPA in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit to challenge the new standard. In March 2000, the court upheld the
standard and set a May 2004 deadline for compliance with the new rules. The
states appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and, in March 2001, the Court declined
to hear the appeal. To achieve the proposed reductions, power plants may be
required to install reasonably available control technology and additional
control measures. The installation of these measures would make it more costly
to operate coal-fired utility power plants and, depending on the requirements of
individual state implementation plans, could make coal a less attractive fuel
alternative in the planning and building of utility power plants in the
future.
The EPA has also proposed the implementation of stricter ozone standards by
2003. If these standards are implemented they could require some of the
Company's customers to reduce NOx emissions, which are a precursor to ozone
formation, or even prevent the construction of new facilities that contribute to
the non-attainment of the new ozone standard.
The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, has filed a lawsuit
against seven investor-owned utilities and brought an administrative action
against one government-owned utility for alleged violations of the Clean Air
Act. The EPA claims that over 30 of these utilities' power stations have failed
to obtain permits required under the Clean Air Act for major improvements which
have extended the useful service of the stations or increased their generating
capacity. The Company supplies coal to seven of the eight utilities. It is
impossible to predict the outcome of this legal action. Any outcome that
adversely affects the Company's customers or makes coal a less attractive fuel
source could, however, have an adverse effect on the Company's coal sales
revenues and profitability.
Competition and Excess Industry Capacity.
The coal industry is intensely competitive, primarily as a result of the
existence of numerous producers in the coal-producing regions in which the
Company operates, and a number of the Company's competitors have greater
financial resources. The Company competes with several major coal producers in
the central Appalachian and Powder River Basin areas. The Company also competes
with a number of smaller producers in those and other market regions. The
Company is also subject to the risk of reduced profitability as a result of
excess industry capacity, which has occurred in the past and which results in
reduced coal prices.
Electric Industry Factors.
Demand for coal and the prices that the Company will be able to obtain for its
coal are closely linked to coal consumption patterns of the domestic electric
generation industry, which has accounted for approximately 90% of domestic coal
consumption in recent years. These coal consumption patterns are influenced by
factors beyond the Company's control, including the demand for electricity
(which is dependent to a significant extent on summer and winter temperatures);
government regulation; technological developments and the location,
availability, quality and price of competing sources of coal; the use of
competing fuels such as natural gas, oil and nuclear; and alternative energy
sources such as hydroelectric power. Demand for the Company's low-sulfur coal
and the prices that the Company will be able to obtain for it will also be
affected by the price and availability of high-sulfur coal, which can be
marketed in tandem with emissions allowances in order to meet federal Clean Air
Act requirements. Any reduction in the demand for the Company's coal by the
domestic electric generation industry may cause a decline in
profitability.
Electric utility deregulation is expected to provide incentives to generators of
electricity to minimize their fuel costs and is believed to have caused electric
generators to be more aggressive in negotiating prices with coal suppliers.
Deregulation may have a negative effect on the Company's profitability to the
extent it causes the Company's customers to be more cost-sensitive.
Reliance On And Terms Of Long-Term Coal Supply Contracts.
During 2000, sales of coal under long-term contracts, which are contracts with a
term greater than 12 months, accounted for 78% of the Company's total revenues.
The prices for coal shipped under these contracts are generally below the
current market price for similar type coal. As a consequence of the substantial
volume of its sales that are subject to these long-term agreements, the Company
has less coal available with which to capitalize on stronger coal prices. In
addition, because long-term contracts typically allow the customer to elect
volume flexibility, in the current rising price environment, the Company's
ability to realize the higher prices available in the spot market may be
restricted when customers elect to purchase higher volumes under such contracts.
The increasingly short terms of sales contracts and the consequent absence of
price adjustment provisions in such contracts also make it more likely that
inflation-related increases in mining costs during the contract term will not be
recovered by the Company.
Reserve Degradation And Depletion.
The Company's profitability depends substantially on its ability to mine coal
reserves that have the geological characteristics that enable them to be mined
at competitive costs. Replacement reserves may not be available when required
or, if available, may not be capable of being mined at costs comparable to those
characteristic of the depleting mines. The Company has in the past acquired and
will in the future acquire, coal reserves for its mine portfolio from third
parties. The Company may not be able to accurately assess the geological
characteristics of any reserves that it acquires, which may adversely affect the
profitability and financial condition of the Company. Exhaustion of reserves at
particular mines can also have an adverse effect on operating results that is
disproportionate to the percentage of overall production represented by such
mines. Mingo Logan's Mountaineer Mine is estimated to exhaust its longwall
mineable reserves in 2003. The Mountaineer Mine generated $20.1 million and
$24.3 million of the Company's total operating income in the six months ended
June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Potential Fluctuations In Operating Results-Factors Routinely Affecting
Results Of Operations.
The Company's mining operations are inherently subject to changing conditions
that can affect levels of production and production costs at particular mines
for varying lengths of time and can result in decreases in profitability.
Weather conditions, equipment replacement or repair, fuel prices, fires,
variations in coal seam thickness, amounts of overburden rock and other natural
materials and other geological conditions have had, and can be expected in the
future to have, a significant impact on operating results. A prolonged
disruption of production at any of the Company's principal mines, particularly
its Mingo Logan operation in West Virginia, would result in a decrease, which
could be material, in the Company's revenues and profitability. Other factors
affecting the production and sale of the Company's coal that could result in
decreases in its profitability include: (i) expiration or termination of, or
sales price redeterminations or suspension of deliveries under, coal supply
agreements; (ii) disruption or increases in the cost of transportation services;
(iii) changes in laws or regulations, including permitting requirements; (iv)
litigation; (v) the timing and amount of insurance recoveries; (vi) work
stoppages or other labor difficulties; (vii) mine worker vacation schedules and
related maintenance activities; and (viii) changes in coal market and general
economic conditions.
Decreases in the Company's profitability as a result of the factors described
above could adversely impact quarterly or annual results materially. Any such
adverse impact on the Company's operating results could cause its stock price to
decline substantially, particularly if the results are below research analyst or
investor expectations.
Transportation.
The coal industry depends on rail, trucking and barge transportation to deliver
shipments of coal to customers, and transportation costs are a significant
component of the total cost of supplying coal. Disruption of these
transportation services could temporarily impair the Company's ability to supply
coal to its customers and thus adversely affect the Company's business and
operating results. Increases in transportation costs, or changes in such costs
relative to transportation costs for coal produced by its competitors or of
other fuels, could have an adverse effect on the Company's business and results
of operations.
Reserves - Title.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
recoverable reserves, including many factors beyond the control of the Company.
Estimates of economically recoverable coal reserves and net cash flows
necessarily depend upon the number of variable factors and assumptions, such as
geological and mining conditions which may not be fully identified by available
exploration data or may differ from experience in current operations, historical
production from the area compared with production from other producing areas,
the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies and assumptions
concerning coal prices, operating costs, severance and excise taxes, development
costs and reclamation costs, all of which may cause estimates to vary
considerably from actual results.
For these reasons, estimates of the economically recoverable quantities
attributable to any particular group of properties, classifications of such
reserves based on risk of recovery and estimates of net cash flows expected
therefrom, prepared by different engineers or by the same engineers at different
times, may vary substantially. Actual coal tonnage recovered from identified
reserve areas or properties and revenues and expenditures with respect to the
Company's reserves may vary from estimates, and such variances may be material.
These estimates thus may not accurately reflect the Company's actual
reserves.
A significant part of the Company's mining operations are conducted on
properties leased by the Company. The loss of any lease could adversely affect
the Company's ability to develop the associated reserves. Because title to most
of the Company's leased properties and mineral rights is not usually verified
until a commitment is made by the Company to develop a property, which may not
occur until after the Company has obtained necessary permits and completed
exploration of the property, the Company's right to mine certain of its reserves
may be adversely affected if defects in title or boundaries exist. In order to
obtain leases or mining contracts to conduct mining operations on property where
these defects exist, the Company has had to, and may in the future have to,
incur unanticipated costs. In addition, the Company may not be able to
successfully negotiate new leases or mining contracts for properties containing
additional reserves or maintain its leasehold interests in properties on which
mining operations are not commenced during the term of the lease.
Certain Contractual Arrangements.
The Company's affiliate, Arch Western Resources, LLC, is the owner of Company
reserves and mining facilities in the western United States. The agreement under
which Arch Western was formed provides that a subsidiary of the Company, as the
managing member of Arch Western, generally has exclusive power and authority to
conduct, manage and control the business of Arch Western. However, consent of
ARCO, the other member of Arch Western, would generally be required in the event
that Arch Western proposes to make a distribution, incur indebtedness, sell
properties or merge or consolidate with any other entity if, at such time, Arch
Western has a debt rating less favorable than specified ratings with Moody's
Investors Service or Standard & Poor's or fails to meet specified indebtedness
and interest ratios.
In connection with the Company's June 1, 1998 acquisition of ARCO's coal
operations, the Company entered into an agreement under which it agreed to
indemnify ARCO against specified tax liabilities in the event that these
liabilities arise as a result of certain actions taken prior to June 1, 2013,
including the sale or other disposition of certain properties of Arch Western,
the repurchase of certain equity interests in Arch Western by Arch Western or
the reduction under certain circumstances of indebtedness incurred by Arch
Western in connection with the acquisition. Depending on the time at which any
such indemnification obligation were to arise, it could impact the Company's
profitability for the period in which it arises.
The membership interests in Canyon Fuel, which operates three coal mines in
Utah, are owned 65% by Arch Western and 35% by a subsidiary of ITOCHU
Corporation of Japan. The agreement which governs the management and operations
of Canyon Fuel provides for a management board to manage its business and
affairs. Some major business decisions concerning Canyon Fuel require the vote
of 70% of the membership interests and therefore limit the Company's ability to
make these decisions. These decisions include admission of additional members;
approval of annual business plans; the making of significant capital
expenditures; sales of coal below specified prices; agreements between Canyon
Fuel and any member; the institution or settlement of litigation; a material
change in the nature of Canyon Fuel's business or a material acquisition; the
sale or other disposition, including by merger, of assets other than in the
ordinary course of business; incurrence of indebtedness; entering into leases;
and the selection and removal of officers. The Canyon Fuel agreement also
contains various restrictions on the transfer of membership interests in Canyon
Fuel.
The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of outstanding common
stock voting thereon to approve a merger or consolidation and certain other
fundamental actions involving or affecting control of the Company. The Company's
Bylaws require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the
Board of Directors of the Company in order to declare dividends and to authorize
certain other actions.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information required by this Item is contained under the caption
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" in this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information required by this Item is contained in the "Contingencies - Legal
Contingencies" section of "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in this report and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS
(a) The Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on April 26, 2001, at
the Company's headquarters at CityPlace One, Suite 300, St. Louis, Missouri, at
10:00 a.m., central time
(b) At such Annual Meeting, the holders of the Company's common stock elected
the following nominees for director:
Nominee Total Votes For Total Votes Withheld
Frank M. Burke 35,480,832 288,372
Steven F. Leer 30,538,390 5,230,814
Robert G. Potter 35,480,062 289,142
Theodore D. Sands 35,475,980 293,224
At such Annual Meeting, the Company's stockholders, by a vote of 34,742,446 for
and 916,270 against, also approved the Arch Coal, Inc. Incentive Compensation
Plan.
At such Annual Meeting, the Company's stockholders, by a vote of 35,477,741 for
and 260,922 against, also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the
Company's independent auditors for 2001.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) 2.1 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of March 22, 1998 among Atlantic Richfield Company, ARCO Uinta Coal Company, Arch Coal, Inc. and Arch Western Acquisition Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 1998) 2.2 Contribution Agreement among Arch Coal, Inc., Arch Western Acquisition Corporation, Atlantic Richfield Company, Delta Housing, Inc., and Arch Western Resources LLC, dated as of March 22, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 1998) 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended [June 30, 1999]) 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Arch Coal, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2000) 4.1 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of April 4, 1997, among Carboex International, Ltd. Ashland Inc. and Arch Coal, Inc. (formerly Arch Mineral Corporation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-28149) filed on May 30, 1997) 4.2 Assignment of Rights, Obligations and Liabilities under the Stockholders Agreement between Carboex International, Limited and Carboex, S.A. effective as of October 15, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1998) 4.3 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 4, 1997, among Arch Coal, Inc. (formerly Arch Mineral Corporation), Ashland Inc., Carboex International, Ltd. and the entities listed on Schedules I and II thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-28149) filed on May 30, 1997, except for amended Schedule I thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 1998) 4.4 Assignment of Registration Rights between Carboex International, Limited and Carboex, S.A. effective as of October 15, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1998) 4.5 Agreement Relating to Nonvoting Observer, executed as of April 4, 1997, among Carboex International, Ltd., Ashland Inc., Ashland Coal, Inc. and Arch Coal, Inc. (formerly Arch Mineral Corporation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-28149) filed on May 30, 1997) 4.6 Assignment of Right to Maintain a Non-Voting Observer at Meetings of the Board of Directors of Arch Coal, Inc. between Carboex International, Limited and Carboex, S.A. effective as of October 15, 1998 (incorporated herein by referenced to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 1998) 4.7 $600,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility, $300,000,000 Term Loan Credit Agreement by and among Arch Coal, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Syndication Agent, and First Union National Bank, as Documentation Agent, dated as of June 1, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 1998) 4.8 Amendment 1 to Credit Agreement by and among Arch Coal, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Syndication Agent, and First Union National Bank, as Documentation Agent, dated as of January 21, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2000) 4.9 $675,000,000 Term Loan Credit Agreement by and among Arch Western Resources, LLC, the Banks party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Syndication Agent, and NationsBank N.A., as Documentation Agent dated as of June 1, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 1998) 4.10 Form of Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 2000, between Arch Coal, Inc. and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, as Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to a Current Report on Form 8-A filed on March 9, 2000) 18 Preferability Letter of Ernst & Young LLP dated May 11, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 18 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2000) (b) Reports on Form 8-K: A Report Form 8-K dated April 23, 2001 announcing the Company's first quarter 2001 earnings was filed by the Company in the quarter ended June 30, 2001.