ST. LOUIS, July 29, 2011 --

Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today reported second quarter 2011 earnings per diluted share of $0.06 versus $0.41 in the prior-year quarter. Second quarter 2011 results include after-tax charges of $67 million that encompass acquisition-related expenses, debt financing and retirement fees for the International Coal Group ("ICG") transaction, and non-cash amortization of acquired coal supply agreements. Excluding these charges, adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2011 was $78 million, or $0.44 per diluted share.

"The second quarter was a momentous one for Arch Coal - we announced, completed and made considerable progress in integrating the largest acquisition in our company's history," said Steven F. Leer, Arch's chairman and chief executive officer. "With this acquisition, we have expanded and strengthened Arch's value proposition - by creating a world-class global metallurgical and thermal coal franchise poised for growth - while maintaining our sharp focus on mine safety and environmental stewardship."

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization ("EBITDA") rose nearly 25 percent versus the prior-year period to reach a record $248 million in the second quarter of 2011. Quarterly revenues also grew nearly 30 percent versus a year ago to hit a record $985 million, led by higher per-ton sales prices across all regions.

"Arch achieved record revenues and EBITDA in the quarter just ended - a combination of solid operating results and the addition of ICG on June 15," said Leer. "In particular, per-ton margins expanded meaningfully in our Appalachian and Western Bituminous regions, both of which benefitted from higher sales prices, increased volumes and lower operating costs."

In the first half of 2011, Arch generated adjusted EBITDA of $439 million, an increase of 33 percent versus the prior-year period. Cash flow from operations increased 21 percent to $314 million for the first six months of 2011, while capital expenditures totaled $108 million, resulting in record free cash flow of $206 million year-to-date.

"Looking ahead, we have updated our full-year earnings guidance to reflect our current expectation for metallurgical and thermal coal markets, contributions from newly acquired assets, acquisition-related financing considerations and reduced volume expectations in the Powder River Basin stemming from ongoing flooding in the Midwest," added Leer. "We currently expect 2011 to be the company's best year yet and project a very strong second half."

Strategic Acquisition

As previously announced, Arch completed the acquisition of ICG on June 15, 2011. The aggregate value of the transaction totaled $3.5 billion, including the redemption of ICG's outstanding debt. This acquisition establishes Arch as the second largest U.S. - and a top 10 global - metallurgical coal supplier, while creating a powerful platform for future growth in international metallurgical and thermal markets.

"We expect the addition of ICG to create tremendous value for shareholders, and we have now turned our attention to unlocking the full potential of this highly strategic acquisition," said Leer. Based upon the milestones achieved during the first six weeks of integration, Arch has increased its annual synergy estimate to between $100 million and $120 million, starting in 2012. Roughly 65 percent of those synergies relate to operational cost savings and administrative cost reductions, and 35 percent stem from marketing and blending optimization efforts.

"The integration of ICG has been smooth and swift, and is materially complete from both an operations and administrative perspective," said John W. Eaves, Arch's president and chief operating officer. "We're now charged with delivering the synergies we have quantified, identifying new ways to streamline operations, further improving the combined company's cost structure, liberating incremental tons into seaborne markets and accelerating metallurgical development projects."

Arch recorded $98 million in pre-tax acquisition-related expenses in the second quarter of 2011, comprised of advisory, bridge financing and legal fees as well as severance and other costs stemming from the integration of the operations. The company also anticipates incurring some additional expenses related to the acquisition during the third quarter of 2011.

Financial Developments

Arch financed the purchase of ICG with a combination of new debt and equity offerings completed in June, as well as borrowings under the company's amended credit facility. During the second quarter, Arch secured a $2 billion revolving credit facility, increasing the capacity from $860 million previously, and extending the term of the facility through June 2016.

Also during the second quarter, Arch issued $2.0 billion in senior notes and sold $1.3 billion in common stock to raise funds for - and maintain its credit rating after - the ICG acquisition. At June 30, 2011, Arch's debt totaled $3.8 billion, net of cash, and its net debt-to-total-capital ratio was 52 percent.

"Arch successfully executed capital markets transactions to prudently finance the ICG acquisition, retain our existing credit ratings and preserve a strong balance sheet," said John T. Drexler, Arch's senior vice president and chief financial officer. "Looking ahead, our ability to advance future growth projects and bring forward those cash flows, while maintaining a low-cost operating structure across our regions, should unlock further value for our stakeholders."

Operational Results

"Our second quarter results reflect solid operating performances at our legacy and newly acquired operations," said Eaves. "We are capturing higher prices in each region, effectively managing our costs and seamlessly integrating ICG's operations into the fold."

"In addition, the power of our diverse operating platform was on display in the second quarter, as strong contributions from our Appalachian and Western Bituminous segments helped to overcome the impact of Midwestern flooding, which affected planned quarterly shipments out of the Powder River Basin," added Eaves.

Second quarter 2011 consolidated operating margin per ton expanded more than 30 percent versus the first quarter, primarily due to strong performances from Arch's Western Bituminous Region and its Appalachian operations, which include the ICG mines since June 15. Average sales price per ton rose 10.6 percent, led by higher pricing in each region and a larger percentage of higher-priced tons in the company's overall volume mix. Consolidated operating costs per ton increased 6.5 percent over the same time period, reflecting the impact of lower Powder River Basin volume levels, a larger volume contribution from the company's Appalachian segment and higher sales-sensitive costs.

In the Powder River Basin, second quarter 2011 operating margin per ton declined when compared with the first quarter, resulting from higher per-ton costs associated with lower shipment levels. Second quarter sales volumes were lower than expected, with 1.5 million tons lost during the quarter just ended due to the aforementioned flooding in the Midwest. Sales price increased $0.19 per ton over the same time period, while operating costs rose on the impact of lower volume levels, increased maintenance expense and higher sales-sensitive costs.

Second quarter 2011 operating margin per ton in Arch's newly designated Appalachian segment rose 40 percent versus the first quarter, benefiting from strong metallurgical coal markets and solid mine operating performances. Second quarter sales volumes rose nearly 20 percent versus the first quarter with the return of Mountain Laurel's longwall production in mid-April and the addition of ICG volumes. Average sales price increased $6.31 per ton over the same time period, reflecting a larger percentage of metallurgical coal shipments and higher pricing on metallurgical coal sales, offset to some degree by lower-priced steam coal sales shipped in the second quarter. Operating costs declined $0.86 per ton in the second quarter when compared with the first quarter, due to the effect of higher volume levels and the return of Mountain Laurel's longwall.

In the second quarter of 2011, operating margin in the Western Bituminous Region rose nearly 45 percent versus the first quarter to reach $9.16 per ton. Second quarter average sales price increased slightly compared with the first quarter, reflecting a more favorable mix of customer shipments, including volumes destined for the eastern U.S. and for export out of the West Elk mine in Colorado. Operating costs fell 7 percent over the same time period, due to the effect of higher volume levels and solid operational cost control.

Coal Market Trends

Arch believes coal market fundamentals continue to improve as 2011 progresses.

• Although down modestly from record levels set earlier this year, global metallurgical coal prices remain strong, benefiting from continued growth in worldwide steel demand and supply constraints due to infrastructure, transportation and geologic mine challenges.
• Forward 2012 prices for seaborne steam coal into northern Europe are trading above $125 per metric tonne, which should support continued U.S. coal exports into Europe and Asia. Moreover, index prices for Powder River Basin coal have increased more than 10 percent for forward year deliveries since the shoulder season lows.
• Arch projects U.S. coal exports will reach 106 million tons (including overland shipments in North America) during 2011, an increase of 25 million tons versus 2010. In addition, Arch estimates coal imported into the United States will continue to decline in 2011, further tightening U.S. coal supply.
• Domestic power demand so far in 2011 is even with last year, through the third week of July, according to the Edison Electric Institute. U.S. coal consumption through May has declined due to strong contributions from other fuel sources, but is expected to increase meaningfully during the summer burn season, particularly in light of hot summer temperatures across much of the country in recent weeks.
• U.S. coal production in the first half of 2011 remained essentially flat versus a year ago, according to recently released MSHA data and company estimates. Notably, second quarter Powder River Basin production totaled 99 million tons, a decline of 7 million tons versus the first quarter, likely due to rail transportation disruptions caused by Midwest flooding. Arch also expects that shipments in the basin will be negatively impacted in the third quarter.
• Arch projects continued reductions in total U.S. generator coal stockpile levels during 2011. According to government data, coal power plant stockpiles experienced a much smaller-than-normal build in May. Coupled with rail disruptions and warm temperatures in June and July, Arch believes that stockpiles on a national basis could be below the five-year average by the end of August, which should further support domestic price levels into 2012 and beyond.

"Strengthening fundamentals have buoyed coal prices in recent weeks, especially in the PRB, and we expect that trend to continue as the year progresses," said Leer.

Production and Sales Contract Portfolio

Arch has updated its 2011 sales volume forecast to include ICG volumes since June 15 and to take into account lower-than-expected shipments from its Powder River Basin operations due to flooding, and now forecasts the full year range to be between 160 million and 165 million tons. Arch's sales volume guidance includes tons destined for metallurgical coal markets (coking and pulverized coal injection/PCI), which the company projects will reach approximately 9 million tons in 2011, assuming roughly a half year contribution from ICG.

"Arch committed or priced volumes across all operating regions during the second quarter, with a focus on growing our export thermal and met business," said Eaves. "In particular, our Appalachian commitments rose with the inclusion of ICG contracts, while our Powder River Basin commitments - approximately one-third of which were 8,400-Btu coal - reflect improving domestic thermal market conditions."

2011 Earnings Guidance

Arch has updated its 2011 earnings guidance as follows:

• Earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis is projected to be between $1.49 and $1.93, including advisory, financing and legal fees, severance, amortization of acquired coal supply agreements and other costs stemming from the acquisition of ICG.
• Excluding the aforementioned charges, adjusted earnings per diluted share would be in the range of $1.75 to $2.15.
• Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to be in the $1.08 billion to $1.2 billion range.
• Capital spending is expected to be in the $480 million to $520 million range, including $75 million to $80 million for the development of Tygart Valley No. 1.
• Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense (excluding non-cash amortization of acquired coal supply agreements) is projected to be between $452 million and $470 million.

"As mentioned, we expect Arch's shipments in the Powder River Basin to be impacted into the third quarter - with up to 4.5 million tons affected for the full year - due to flooding and rail disruptions," said Leer. "Despite that fact, our forecast points to a strong second half, as global markets remain strong and domestic markets appear poised to tighten further."

"The enhanced Arch is keenly focused on integrating and managing our operations to excel in our three key areas: safety, stewardship and shareholder value," added Leer. "We believe Arch's expanded size, superior metallurgical and thermal coal asset base, low-cost operations and highly productive workforce will enable us to deliver substantial value over the long term."

A conference call regarding Arch Coal's second quarter 2011 financial results will be webcast live today at 11 a.m. E.D.T. The conference call can be accessed via the "investor" section of the Arch Coal website (http://investor.archcoal.com/).

U.S.-based Arch Coal is a top five global coal producer and marketer, with 179 million tons of coal sold pro forma in 2010. Arch is the most diversified American coal company, with mining complexes across every major U.S. coal supply basin. Its core business is supplying cleaner-burning, low-sulfur thermal and metallurgical coal to power generators and steel manufacturers on four continents.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties arise from changes in the demand for our coal by the domestic electric generation industry; from legislation and regulations relating to the Clean Air Act and other environmental initiatives; from operational, geological, permit, labor and weather-related factors; from fluctuations in the amount of cash we generate from operations; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For a description of some of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, you should see the risk factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Arch Coal, Inc.